Despair

My husband will be deploying within the next week and we've selected a devotional book to read through together, Streams in the Desert, by L.B. Cowman.  I've been quite emotional lately in anticipation of my husband's departure, so yesterday's entry was more than appropriate.  If you have time, take a moment to read through Psalm 27. 

I know that the coming weeks will be difficult, but I don't believe I'm going to fall apart while my husband is gone.  It's true that he'll be in a place that doesn't seem as safe as here on our little island, and it's true that we will most likely have very little contact with each other.  It's also true that he'll likely be put in situations that are potentially very dangerous.  Did you notice anything in those last few sentences?  I don't actually know anything that will happen.  So, I can either worry about what I don't know or choose to trust in the Lord, who I do know. 

When David was depairing, he didn't try to keep his mind occupied and just not think about it.  He didn't become overwhelmed with worry, though he certainly struggled with it at times.  But neither was he in denial about his life circumstances.  The answer he demonstrates in Psalm 27 is this: "Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."

Our Lord is in control of all.  Either you believe it or you don't, but that's what we learn in His word.  As for me, I believe and trust in Him.  And that's why I can let my husband go away and know that his life will be protected.  Whether he is here in Hawaii, on the mainland working a desk job, or in the desert protecting his fellow countrymen, the Lord will not allow him to depart from this life a minute sooner (or later) than He wills (Psalm 139:16)

These truths, that we can wait on (or lean on) the Lord to be our help in times of distress, and that he is fully in control of our lives (and our death!), have the potential to be life-changing.  So, let's take this beyond coffee.  In what ways can you attempt to apply these truths to the way you view and live life?  In what specific circumstances might God be asking you to wait for [Him]?  As for me, I'm going to continue meditating on these verses and seeking out ways to demonstrate trust in the Lord in every situation . . . and so should you!