Trust in the LORD

I have am challenged by the Lord whether I truly trust him. Searching my heart, I think there are areas where I honestly don't, especially areas where I can tend to be very controlling. God in his wisdom has continued to talk to me about those areas where I seek to control, and cannot surrender - and those areas I haven't, the enemy has been able to infiltrate and create fear (e.g. my fear of flying, which is rooted in my lack of ability to control the plane - crazy, yeah I know). I feel too often I have put my hope in my strength and not his - and almost every time I have done that, I end up failing myself. So I am learning to surrender, to be at peace when I cannot control, knowing that God in his goodness and faithfulness is able to carry me through those situations.

Psalm 37:1-11 (New International Version)

 1 Do not fret because of those who are evil
   or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
   like green plants they will soon die away.

 3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
   dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
   and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 5 Commit your way to the LORD;
   trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
   your vindication like the noonday sun.

 7 Be still before the LORD
   and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
   when they carry out their wicked schemes.

 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
   do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
   but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

 10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
   though you look for them, they will not be found.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
   and enjoy peace and prosperity.

Open Arms

As I step back into the Lord's presence, it is so awesome to be welcomed in... My Father in heaven is there with his arms open, hunched over, waiting expectantly... Ready to pull me into a deep embrace... all by his grace, I am able to enter freely... able to step in without measuring up to a set requirement or meeting a pre-condition.

Luke 1:78-79

Because of and through the heart of tender mercy and loving-kindness of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us and visit [us]. To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace.