Psalm 41:10
Lord, don’t you desert me! Be
gracious, Lord, and make me well again so I can pay them back! I know
you are pleased with me because you haven’t let my enemies triumph over
me. You have preserved me because I was honest; you have admitted me
forever to your presence.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
My
sister-in-law offered me these words as I headed to the hospital early
this morning. My mother was admitted last night for possible infection
and low blood sugar…a count so low that she could have died. The doctor
said she should not have even been able to walk and talk, yet she
managed to somewhat do both - and never lost consciousness.
I am
sitting in a hospital room, praying a paraphrased version of this
scripture…”Lord, don’t you desert me! Be gracious and ‘fix’ what I
cannot. Heal my mother according to YOUR will – not mine – and keep her
comfortable. Please do not let her suffer. You HAVE preserved me, and I
am learning to never question You.”
I pray that you will take
time to study this Psalm, and to make a version of these words your own
prayer. Trust God in all things. Call on Him to do what He does
best…and to handle what we cannot – and are not supposed to even
attempt.
Yesterday morning, I shared a story with my mother that
Timothy’s mother shared with me just lately. It seems that she noticed
that Timothy had stopped including his Granny in his night-time
prayers. She asked him, “Why don’t you pray for Granny anymore?” He
replied…”I don’t need to…the LORD will take care of her!”
My
mother commented that truly, God never forgets a prayer…and once we have
spoken it, we should consider it answered. I laughed and said that I
like to remind Him and keep the “din” going to heaven at a high decibel
level. But she is right…God IS faithful. He does answer “on the first
ring,” and once we have given a burden or concern to Him, He is truly
“on it!”
So I am giving God my mother…and all of my
“situations.” I can’t promise that I won’t mention them to Him again –
and again – and again! I’m pesky like that! But I am trusting
Him to handle things. I know that He will never desert me…or my
Mom...or you! I feel His grace, mercy, and healing peace…and I pray
that whatever your day brings – you feel it, too.
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label giving God our cares and worries doubts and fears. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giving God our cares and worries doubts and fears. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for December 27, 2015
Luke 12:4-5
My friends, don’t be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do. God is the one you must fear. Not only can he take your life, but he can throw you into hell. God is certainly the one you should fear!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend texted me a photo this morning of a newspaper headline…”Swedes charge toward becoming cashless culture.” Her comment was, “Yikes! Armageddon!” I replied…”If Armageddon comes, we won’t be here!” I didn’t mean to be flip…but honestly, I give little concern to “end times” news, because if/when it happens, I don’t plan to stick around! My prayer is that no one I know and love will be left, either!
There are a plenty of mortal things for us to fear, if we want to go that route. Greg’s brother continues to struggle after the car wreck in which he was involved six days ago. Each day brings new wrinkles/challenges…and he is still quite critical. Yet I refuse to be fearful. God is in complete control…my brother-in-law is securely His child and guaranteed a “seat at the Table” in heaven…and all will be well.
My mother is not improving as I had hoped - from pneumonia or the late-stage cancer that is taking its toll on her physical health. But again, I know that she is one of God’s precious children…that He is meeting her every need according to His plans and timetable…and I am not the least bit fearful.
I am still battling a “cold bug”…and now Greg has it! But I know that this, too, shall pass. God is allowing us to rest and regroup today…and I know that He is numbering our steps and will restore our health in due season. So I am taking it easy and trusting the Great Physician to handle everything for me.
It is quite freeing to “let go and let God” handle these situations. When we surrender our fears to God and rest in His perfect care, we quickly realize that a lot of the situations that made us so stressed and “crazy” really have no power over us. If we give God complete control and trust Him, we have nothing to fear whatsoever – not even Him - because we know that we are operating in His will and trusting His sovereignty.
Now, if you happen to see me having a meltdown at some point over one of these situations or something else…do not rush to judge me! We are, after all, human beings. So perfection is a noble goal…but none of us will ever be completely accomplished in this area! Still, we can keep working…and praying…and believing. And we can let God do the heavy lifting.
In his first inaugural address in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt offered wisdom and encouragement to the people of our nation. These words are just as powerful for us today and sum up much of what I believe. Please take time to read them and ponder how graciously – and perfectly – God is handling our fears – even when we fail to fully give them to Him.
©2015 Debbie Robus
My friends, don’t be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do. God is the one you must fear. Not only can he take your life, but he can throw you into hell. God is certainly the one you should fear!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend texted me a photo this morning of a newspaper headline…”Swedes charge toward becoming cashless culture.” Her comment was, “Yikes! Armageddon!” I replied…”If Armageddon comes, we won’t be here!” I didn’t mean to be flip…but honestly, I give little concern to “end times” news, because if/when it happens, I don’t plan to stick around! My prayer is that no one I know and love will be left, either!
There are a plenty of mortal things for us to fear, if we want to go that route. Greg’s brother continues to struggle after the car wreck in which he was involved six days ago. Each day brings new wrinkles/challenges…and he is still quite critical. Yet I refuse to be fearful. God is in complete control…my brother-in-law is securely His child and guaranteed a “seat at the Table” in heaven…and all will be well.
My mother is not improving as I had hoped - from pneumonia or the late-stage cancer that is taking its toll on her physical health. But again, I know that she is one of God’s precious children…that He is meeting her every need according to His plans and timetable…and I am not the least bit fearful.
I am still battling a “cold bug”…and now Greg has it! But I know that this, too, shall pass. God is allowing us to rest and regroup today…and I know that He is numbering our steps and will restore our health in due season. So I am taking it easy and trusting the Great Physician to handle everything for me.
It is quite freeing to “let go and let God” handle these situations. When we surrender our fears to God and rest in His perfect care, we quickly realize that a lot of the situations that made us so stressed and “crazy” really have no power over us. If we give God complete control and trust Him, we have nothing to fear whatsoever – not even Him - because we know that we are operating in His will and trusting His sovereignty.
Now, if you happen to see me having a meltdown at some point over one of these situations or something else…do not rush to judge me! We are, after all, human beings. So perfection is a noble goal…but none of us will ever be completely accomplished in this area! Still, we can keep working…and praying…and believing. And we can let God do the heavy lifting.
In his first inaugural address in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt offered wisdom and encouragement to the people of our nation. These words are just as powerful for us today and sum up much of what I believe. Please take time to read them and ponder how graciously – and perfectly – God is handling our fears – even when we fail to fully give them to Him.
“...let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.Make this the day that you completely surrender your fears to God – once and for all – and discover how well He cares for your every need.
...our distress comes from no failure of substance. We are stricken by no plague of locusts. Compared with the perils which our forefathers conquered because they believed and were not afraid, we have still much to be thankful for. Nature still offers her bounty and human efforts have multiplied it.
...we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.”
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 6, 2015
Daniel 10:12
Then he said, “Don’t be frightened, Daniel, for your request has been heard in heaven and was answered the very first day you began to fast before the Lord and pray for understanding; that very day I was sent here to meet you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It’s time for a little confession…this morning, things just did not come together like I had hoped. Several circumstances beyond my control weighed heavily on me…my mother’s battle with cancer…family members who do not believe in Jesus…two dear, young friends who appear to be losing their battles with cancer, just to name a few. I shuffled to the kitchen to pour another cup of coffee, and I said, “Lord, I can’t fix this. These are all things beyond my control.” And I honestly heard Him laugh. I stopped dead in my tracks as I realized the absurdity of my thought. It was as if I audibly heard God say, “You are not supposed to control or fix these things! Leave that to me!”
I sat down to look up a scripture for this devotional, and I was not surprised to read these words…”your request has been heard in heaven and was answered the very first day...” I turned on the television, and Joel Osteen was preaching about keeping the faith, speaking and believing the things that GOD will do for us. He shared a story of faithfulness over his own grandfather, and how family members who had given their hearts to Jesus believed for the salvation of this man – and he came to know the LORD. When this grandfather Osteen died, the suit in which he was buried had pockets stuffed with tracts that he passed out to others to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Joel Osteen made this comment…”He’s [God] got it all figured out. You don’t have to worry – God has ya in the palm of His hand. He’s not going to fail you. He is faithful to His promises. Your family is coming together. The dream may look too big – keep believing. It’s coming together…God has a way. When you realize that God’s in control…that He’s directing your steps…that He’s already lined up everything you need…then you can relax. You don’t have to go through life trying to make it all happen on your own…worried about your children…frustrated because it’s taking too long…discouraged because a dream looks dead.”
“Keep reminding yourself…the sovereign LORD…the God who breathed life into you…the God who knew you before you were born…the God who has planned out your days for good…the God who has protected you, promoted you, healed you…the same God that brought you to where you are – He’s gonna get you to where you’re supposed to be. It may take a little longer than you thought it ought to be…but that’s okay. God’s timing is the perfect time.”
Osteen continued by saying that things may not happen the way we planned…”But God’s ways are better than our ways.” I took a collective breath, checked myself for thinking I was “all that” and actually COULD control/fix anything on my own…and I thanked God for His sovereignty and perfection. I reminded myself that He has heard my requests – over and over! And just like those of Daniel so long ago, God has heard my petitions and answered my prayers…beautifully, perfectly, and in His indisputable timing.
The sermon concluded with Pastor Osteen saying that, “You don’t have to worry…you don’t have to live stressed out. God is directing your steps. He controls the whole universe…you can stay in a place of peace.” I am free to go about my day now, secure once again in the knowledge that GOD has my back…that He is watching over me and orchestrating every single minute of my life – and the lives of my friends and loved ones. He is doing this for YOU, also. Your job is to recognize His presence and power…and to trust Him to handle every aspect of your life.
Now I ask you…what are you still trying to fix on your own? Isn’t it time you gave this to the One who has already handled it? Will this be the day that you let go of your fears and let God have complete control, once and for all? Shouldn’t it be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Then he said, “Don’t be frightened, Daniel, for your request has been heard in heaven and was answered the very first day you began to fast before the Lord and pray for understanding; that very day I was sent here to meet you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It’s time for a little confession…this morning, things just did not come together like I had hoped. Several circumstances beyond my control weighed heavily on me…my mother’s battle with cancer…family members who do not believe in Jesus…two dear, young friends who appear to be losing their battles with cancer, just to name a few. I shuffled to the kitchen to pour another cup of coffee, and I said, “Lord, I can’t fix this. These are all things beyond my control.” And I honestly heard Him laugh. I stopped dead in my tracks as I realized the absurdity of my thought. It was as if I audibly heard God say, “You are not supposed to control or fix these things! Leave that to me!”
I sat down to look up a scripture for this devotional, and I was not surprised to read these words…”your request has been heard in heaven and was answered the very first day...” I turned on the television, and Joel Osteen was preaching about keeping the faith, speaking and believing the things that GOD will do for us. He shared a story of faithfulness over his own grandfather, and how family members who had given their hearts to Jesus believed for the salvation of this man – and he came to know the LORD. When this grandfather Osteen died, the suit in which he was buried had pockets stuffed with tracts that he passed out to others to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Joel Osteen made this comment…”He’s [God] got it all figured out. You don’t have to worry – God has ya in the palm of His hand. He’s not going to fail you. He is faithful to His promises. Your family is coming together. The dream may look too big – keep believing. It’s coming together…God has a way. When you realize that God’s in control…that He’s directing your steps…that He’s already lined up everything you need…then you can relax. You don’t have to go through life trying to make it all happen on your own…worried about your children…frustrated because it’s taking too long…discouraged because a dream looks dead.”
“Keep reminding yourself…the sovereign LORD…the God who breathed life into you…the God who knew you before you were born…the God who has planned out your days for good…the God who has protected you, promoted you, healed you…the same God that brought you to where you are – He’s gonna get you to where you’re supposed to be. It may take a little longer than you thought it ought to be…but that’s okay. God’s timing is the perfect time.”
Osteen continued by saying that things may not happen the way we planned…”But God’s ways are better than our ways.” I took a collective breath, checked myself for thinking I was “all that” and actually COULD control/fix anything on my own…and I thanked God for His sovereignty and perfection. I reminded myself that He has heard my requests – over and over! And just like those of Daniel so long ago, God has heard my petitions and answered my prayers…beautifully, perfectly, and in His indisputable timing.
The sermon concluded with Pastor Osteen saying that, “You don’t have to worry…you don’t have to live stressed out. God is directing your steps. He controls the whole universe…you can stay in a place of peace.” I am free to go about my day now, secure once again in the knowledge that GOD has my back…that He is watching over me and orchestrating every single minute of my life – and the lives of my friends and loved ones. He is doing this for YOU, also. Your job is to recognize His presence and power…and to trust Him to handle every aspect of your life.
Now I ask you…what are you still trying to fix on your own? Isn’t it time you gave this to the One who has already handled it? Will this be the day that you let go of your fears and let God have complete control, once and for all? Shouldn’t it be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 26, 2015
1 John 4:4, 7-8
Dear young friends, you belong to God and have already won your fight with those who are against Christ because there is someone in your hearts who is stronger than any evil teacher in this wicked world.
Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know him better. But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Happy Thanksgiving! This truly is a day to share God’s love with one another. More importantly, this is the perfect day to thank GOD for all that He has given us.
Let’s make this the day that we truly show our gratitude to God - and to each other - for love, care, friendship, and abundance. Make a commitment to get to know God better and grow daily in knowledge and appreciation of His love and care. There is no better day to “Give Thanks” than this one…ready…set…GO!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Dear young friends, you belong to God and have already won your fight with those who are against Christ because there is someone in your hearts who is stronger than any evil teacher in this wicked world.
Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know him better. But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Happy Thanksgiving! This truly is a day to share God’s love with one another. More importantly, this is the perfect day to thank GOD for all that He has given us.
- God meets our every need.
- God gives us hope and courage.
- God calms our fears.
- God heals us.
- God gives us peace
- God answers our prayers.
- God plans for our future.
- God keeps His promises.
- God showers us with amazing and abundant love.
- God prepares us for Eternity in His presence.
Let’s make this the day that we truly show our gratitude to God - and to each other - for love, care, friendship, and abundance. Make a commitment to get to know God better and grow daily in knowledge and appreciation of His love and care. There is no better day to “Give Thanks” than this one…ready…set…GO!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 20, 2015
Psalm 94:19
Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Earlier this week, I shared a video on Facebook by Francine Christophe, a then-8-year-old French Jewish girl who was held as a prisoner of war in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in northern Germany during WWII. The main theme of Christophe’s story centered around two pieces of chocolate that her mother had carried with her to share on a day “when I see you have completely collapsed and really need help.” I urge you to use the link I have provided and watch this video for yourself. See how God orchestrated so many events – even decades after the war ended!
I share this story with you to say this…we all have doubts. At times, our hearts are all in turmoil…we falter in the “Hope and Cheer Department.” But when I read stories like this one – or hear accounts on the nightly news of people who have experienced incredible, horrific atrocities or those who have suffered unimaginable torture and grief, I think of the thousands of refugees and orphans who wonder where they will lay their head at night and if/when they will eat again. And I am humbled to think that the God who can quiet them and renew their hope and cheer can – and will – do the same thing for me.
My “troubles” pale in comparison to those of so many – yet I know that God cares just as deeply for me as He does for anyone else. And He feels the same way about YOU! Whatever your doubts today, ask God to reassure you. Whatever turmoil has stirred your heart, call on Him to quiet you and renew your hope and cheer. When you have “completely collapsed and really need help,” let our Heavenly Father be like the “piece of chocolate” that soothes you.
I know it’s hard to “let go and let God” sometimes…but He so wants to meet us where we are and handle our every need. Isn’t it time that we let Him?
©2015 Debbie Robus
https://www.facebook.com/robert.eshbach/videos/1051135241572083/?pnref=story
Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Earlier this week, I shared a video on Facebook by Francine Christophe, a then-8-year-old French Jewish girl who was held as a prisoner of war in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in northern Germany during WWII. The main theme of Christophe’s story centered around two pieces of chocolate that her mother had carried with her to share on a day “when I see you have completely collapsed and really need help.” I urge you to use the link I have provided and watch this video for yourself. See how God orchestrated so many events – even decades after the war ended!
I share this story with you to say this…we all have doubts. At times, our hearts are all in turmoil…we falter in the “Hope and Cheer Department.” But when I read stories like this one – or hear accounts on the nightly news of people who have experienced incredible, horrific atrocities or those who have suffered unimaginable torture and grief, I think of the thousands of refugees and orphans who wonder where they will lay their head at night and if/when they will eat again. And I am humbled to think that the God who can quiet them and renew their hope and cheer can – and will – do the same thing for me.
My “troubles” pale in comparison to those of so many – yet I know that God cares just as deeply for me as He does for anyone else. And He feels the same way about YOU! Whatever your doubts today, ask God to reassure you. Whatever turmoil has stirred your heart, call on Him to quiet you and renew your hope and cheer. When you have “completely collapsed and really need help,” let our Heavenly Father be like the “piece of chocolate” that soothes you.
I know it’s hard to “let go and let God” sometimes…but He so wants to meet us where we are and handle our every need. Isn’t it time that we let Him?
©2015 Debbie Robus
https://www.facebook.com/robert.eshbach/videos/1051135241572083/?pnref=story
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