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Knowing her soul was filled with sorrow, I sent my girlfriend a few texts with links to worship songs, hoping they would cover her grieving heart with comfort. A while later she responded. Listening and worshiping. I have death certificates and head stones here, but we know that he has eternal life and the glory of God all around him. For that, I will ever praise the Lord.
The funeral had passed, but the sting of the death was still fresh and fierce.
At the hand of a tragic, senseless accident, her young-adult son was gone in an instant.
Shockwaves of horror ripped through the community, leaving tens of thousands with a raw reminder of the frailty of life.
One treasure in the darkness of this horrific loss is this: my friend grieved with hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13) She and her family lamented knowing full well that the ashes of death for a believer transition to the perfect beauty of God’s presence.
Faith in Jesus brings hope. Life eternal.
Contrarily, faith in riches… wealth… things of earth bring hopelessness and death. Sadly, many among us place earthly treasures above the unsearchable greatness of God. The Bible speaks directly to this in Psalm 49.
“For all can see that the wise die, that the foolish and the senseless also perish, leaving their wealth to others” (Psalm 49:10).
It’s said there are two things no one can avoid: death and taxes.
Psalm 49 gets a bit icky by tabling the uncomfortable topic of the unavoidable date we all have with death. The questions that rise in my heart as I read Psalm 49 are ones of trust. Will I trust in my position, my possessions and myself or will I trust in God? Will I believe God really is who the Bible says He is, or will I park out in shadows of doubt?
The psalmist went on about it. “People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings” (Psalm 49:12-13).
I’m reminded to stop looking around at the blessings or wealth of others. Ain’t no Uhaul following a hearse, right?
“Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil” (Proverbs 4:27).
I read this and wrestle with the tension.
Will I trust in God?
Will I follow His plan or chart my own?
Will I choose to believe He is faithful, just and compassionate even in and through strains and pain?
Will I yield my heart to His and align to His will over my own or turn to the right and to the left?
Hard times have taught me that I can trust God to redeem every ounce of pain. I can trust Him, not because circumstances are always easy or enjoyable, but because God is and always will be faithful.
God is and always will be loving.
God is and always will be good.
Those who misplace their trust in wealth, politicians, employment, the economy or popularity do not know this hope. What would it look like for you to trust God today?
Dear Lord,
You are the Author of Life and the Giver of each day. Help me to trust You when life hurts. Help me to worship whether I have much or little.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
What are you trusting in? What’s been tripping you up lately?
What or who do you feel led to release to God’s care today? Post your thoughts or a prayer of response in the comment section.
Have a beautiful day, friend. So glad we share His hope together!!
GWEN
PS. Looking for a new Bible Study? Be sure to download my FREE 5-Day Psalm Challenge! It will help you grow closer to God, hear Him more clearly, learn more about Him and experience deep peace and strength. (What are you waiting for? Download it now!)
PSS. Do you ever wonder if God’s grace really is enough for your weakness? Bible teacher Lisa Harper joins me on Graceologie to talk about how God meets us in the strains and pains of life with goodness and faithfulness. LISTEN NOW on Apple Podcast or right from the website.
There are so many voices vying for your attention it can be hard to sift through the noise and focus on what really matters. The Graceologie with Gwen Smith podcast will help you move from distracted to directed.
Directed to hope. Directed to truth. Directed to clarity. Directed to grace. Directed to Jesus. Click here to listen now.
Comments 23
Prayers for my long time (53 yrs) friend Penny and her son – he will be having surgery to remove a tumor.
Thank you
Dear Jesus, both my sons can’t seem to find their way. My oldest is fighting depression even with a wonderful wife and children. My youngest deals with fear and ADD. I have prayed and prayed.. .I don’t know what else to do…
I understand your pain and I am praying for you!
Prayers requested I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer very recently Thankful it was caught early I will be have surgery probably next month. Lots of stress in our home at the moment as my Husband and I are new Foster parents and have our first placement a 15 year old teen girl. Prayers for direction and peace. Thank you. Linda Richardson
Author
Wow, Linda. That’s a lot. Thanks for having the courage to share with us. Praying for you now.
Gwen
I release my husband to You, Lord.
Dear Abba Father, I have prayed and prayed that you would save Eric by revealing to him that You are the One True God, and that You would save our marriage before it is too late. I know You hear my cries for help to rescue me from my husband’s desire for divorce. Thank You for loving me before I was even born, loving me unconditionally through Your Son’s finished work on the cross. Thank You that I am able to release these worries to Your capable Hands, as You are Almighty and Sovereign and You know what is best for us. You are the Creator of all, and You are All-knowing. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Author
Amen. Praying with you, Sara! So sorry for this pain you’re going through. Sincerely.
Love and hugs,
GWEN
Thank you Gwen for this Devo , yesterday I received the news about my cousins dad is sick and is in hospice my family is still trying to over come and grieve the loss of our grama and now going through another loss my hearts brakes for my family in this time .I pray God helps us trust him even when life hurts 🙏
Author
Oh, Anna. Loss of loved ones is so hard. I’m sorry, friend. Praying for you and your family now.
GWEN
Please pray for my husband who may have high grade bladder cancer.
Author
Praying now, Melissa! Trusting that His grace is sufficient for every strain and pain ahead, and that our Healer and Provider is able to meet your husband in the middle of each moment.
GWEN
I need to release my fear of not ever being able to retire. Both hubby and I have been self-employed , loving our lower paying jobs, helping our sons go to a CHristian college.
and now in our 60’s having not saved out enough to retire on. Still in debt from the college loans. It is reassuring to know God will take care of us in spite of our lack of planning ahead well.
Dear Lord, I’m praying for my adult son who battle with addiction and depression. May he seek you in his times of darkness. I turn him over to you to cover him with you tender loving care. Thank you for always being here for me dear Lord.
Author
Amen. Praying with you, Rhonda!
Gwen
I release my young adult son to God’s care today, as he battles with depression and hopelessness brought on by present challenges in his life. I pray that he will be reminded of God’s presence and love, and lean into His strength, that is able to carry us through any situation or circumstance.
Author
Amen. Hard stuff, Tracy! Praying with you!
Gwen
Lord you are with me in this journey called life. Having my up and downs I feel sometimes you far from me, but at the same time so close. I need your help to understand what is my purpose here. You know I am 42 years old and I am still single no kids. You also know that I really wanted to be married at this stage of life, and how singleness sometime hits me painfully. Now with my new relationship I ask you to help my boyfriend being more intentional and more warm. I know men in general have difficulties in communicating their feeling and thoughts. I am just tired of the singleness process. I trust in despite of waiting for husband God is my all. Pray for me,
Tatiana
Author
Amen. Praying and trusting with you, Tatiana!
Gwen
I am still struggling to fully place my trust in God. Recently I was told that the unit I work on as a labor and delivery nurse will be closing in 3 months. I have been trusting that they would not make that move. I am praying that I will find another job, but I need prayers to keep the faith and trust God during these difficult times
I tripped in a discernment, and I can’t seem to get back up. Prayers, please.
Carol💕🙏
Author
Praying now, Carol. God can redeem anything, friend.
Blessings,
GWEN
Lord, help me to trust you implicitly. I believe that only You know my beginning, middle and end. I believe You Lord, have great plans for my marriage, my husband’s salvation, and yes, how to market Your book. I surrender this all to You. Lord, and wait for these treasures in the darkness to be revealed in Your time. Lord, l love You, praise You. and thank You. in Jesus name.
Author
Amen. Praying this with you, Jessie!
Gwen