S.O.A.P. for 02-18-2009 Faith during trials

S: Psalm 37:8-9
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret, it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

O: God calls us to handle adversity, and trials with grace!! What a hard concept! "Count it all as Joy" the bible says. He wasn't kidding. He knows that the fret/worry/pain will hurt us and cause us pain, and "stunt" our growth. But if we, in peace and gentleness, and a whole lotta Faith, just learn to wait on HIM, His reward is GREAT! Inherit the earth?? Wow.

A: Worry and anger reveal a lack of faith that He will/can take care of us and do what's right for us. As I touched on before in just accepting the lessons haded us, and not asking to be "bailed out" He goes even father! Pushes us harder! Loves us more!!! He doesn't want us to worry, but wants to let HIM take care of it. We should not worry, instead, we should trust in God, giving ourselves to Him for His use and safekeeping. If we dwell on our problems or all the "wrongs", our negativity can slowly blur out all the "rights" until even what's good gets lost in the fog and we become completely bitter... If we catch it, and learn to immediately respond, we can take it to the cross and find peace....

P: Dear Father,
You never cease to amaze me at the lessons I learn. I may not apply them as fully or even know how to just yet, but there is always a little more You would have me know, and always a little more You want to add to a lesson I may already be on, and how amazing it is that in Your living breathing word, You reveal it to me, bit by bit, deepening the lesson a little more with each scripture.... God I ask You for the peace you promise to fill me as I go through my trials that I may shine as a living example of one who has enough Faith to believe that in Your hands I am safe. In Your hands, the best according to Your will, will come of it. No matter what it is. your reminders of how short I come from hitting the mark both serve to humble me and inspire me to strive harder. Lord I ask for a Faithful heart, let it be pliable and teachable enough to give YOU all the room you deserve so that I may not falter but seek You and Your peace when storms come. I love You, and continue to strive to make you proud.

In Jesus Name
Amen