One Word - a Little Late...and Grace and Truth Link Up - Lauren Sparks

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Every year I engage either IRL or online with others about the “word” they chose for the year. Christian women especially utilize this practice to help them learn/ focus more in an area they feel God’s leading. And though I definitely see how a focal point can grow faith and understanding, I never felt the urge to participate. Until now…

As I saw blog posts on this topic creeping up around the end of last year, I began questioning whether God had a word for me – for the first time. I initially only entertained this in passing, but the idea stuck around and grew. Two words kept digging into my spirit: Trust and truth. I started praying about whether this idea came from FOMO or the Lord. And I prayed specifically about these two words.

While most bloggers with a “word” posted weeks ago about theirs, I am either slow, hard of listening, or God just had a different timeline for me. As I prayed and mulled over the one word, I’m pretty sure I “heard” the voice of God. “Truth is something you think some of your loved ones need more of. Your struggle is trusting me.” Oh, I don’t want to admit it, but truer words were never spoken.

I have never in my life been less at peace for such a long period of time. And I’ve suffered through cancer, job loss and financial issues. Faith in God has always come easy for me, but trust in the God of the universe to take care of me and my loved ones evades me. It sounds ridiculous to say, but feels very real. If I’m honest, I have trusted more in food, the distraction of TV shows and movies, and shopping to care for and comfort me.

I hate to feel this way in regards to a loving and steadfast God. His track record of faithfulness to me should be enough to sustain me. But as much as I rehearse the miracles and answered prayers, I struggle to overcome the lies of the enemy. My sin nature blocks the forest for the trees. So much so that mini anxiety attacks now plague me. And I don’t want to passively wait for things to get better.

My word for the year, or until God releases me, is TRUST. I spent some time praying and journaling and researching trust. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit I chose a handful of verses to meditate on as I pray for God to change my heart. And in case trust is an issue for you too, I’ll share the scriptures with you.

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust Him and He will act.” Psalm 37:5

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. For they will be like a tree planted by the water, that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” Psalm 13:5

“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7

Praying that we all put our complete trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

And now for this week’s featured post!

I am still being fed by Food for the Spirit by AnneMarie of busyblessedwomen.com. I think you will be too.

Grace and Truth_Rules

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

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