May is the time of year of graduations, new beginnings, nice weather, and upcoming adventures. Growing up with my parents and two brothers out in the country along the banks of the Mississippi River there was always a huge uptick in activities during May; so much so that we started calling the month “Mayhem.” Forty years ago this month I graduated from high school, and life took off into the “Mayhem” of all the good things and challenges that have continued year after year. Gifts and good words are offered up to those about to commence into a new phase of life after graduation. But of all the gifts I received for graduation, there was one gift that has been treasured and kept on a wall in every dorm room, apartment, or house I’ve occupied.
One of my mom’s passions was cross-stitching and for the most momentous occasions, she would create a work of art in string and cloth for her loved ones. For my graduation she cross-stitched “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.
As I grew up, I saw my parents do their best to live out these words in their own lives. So when life loomed large ahead and the years filled with school, friends, relationships, careers, positions, accomplishments, setbacks, hobbies, marriage, kids, homes, good health, illness, and the deaths of friends and loved ones, no matter what the circumstances, “Trust in the Lord…” became a source of strength, comfort, purpose, and peace. Walking this out has not been easy or perfect – far from it! But seeing it nearly every day for 40 years has become an ongoing touchstone for living. My parent’s faith set the groundwork of God’s path in my life, but strapping on my hiking boots of faith and walking it out has been a daily decision.
Abijah trusted God. He asked for God’s help. He relied on God’s strength and direction. With this confidence, he stood up to the usurper king of Israel and his overwhelming army and defeated them. He called out this false king of Israel to turn back to God and abandon his corrupt religious practices. When King Asa came to the throne after his father, Abijah, died, he was thrust into a position where he could do things his own way, or he could follow in his father’s footsteps to trust God. Asa continued his father’s example; he called on God to defeat numerically superior armies and he heeded the call of God’s prophet Azariah to lead his people away from false idols back to trusting God. Azariah the prophet told Asa –
“But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7
Asa worked hard, persisting through resistance and setbacks, and even confronted his own grandmother to remain true to God’s call. Asa’s reign was peaceful, and the kingdom and its people prospered – just like God promised.
Looking back on some of the best seasons of my life, it’s clear now it was because I was listening more intently to God’s call, trusting him, and realizing his plans are way better than my own. But some of those “best” seasons were definitely NOT when everything was going well. Some were when things got very rocky, scary, overwhelming, and difficult. Even so, God’s path was still there to trust and follow.
In John 16:33 Jesus tells us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our victory through Christ has already been won! No matter the odds, no matter the obstacle, even death itself has been defeated by the power of God. We can trust him, turn to him, lean on him, and follow him today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows ahead. We can be strong and courageous knowing that God’s plans are already happening.
Questions for reflection:
- What am I facing today that I can trust God with?
- Where can I be courageous and strong, relying on God’s strength and not just my own?
- Who might find their faith in God strengthened by witnessing my walk with him?