Come What May

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.

Those who know Your name will trust in You,
for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.

- Psalm 9:9-10

Sometimes I wonder if Christians actually believe these words (and the many other words of comfort in scripture). Stop and think about your life for a moment. Something bad happens, something way out of your control happens and what is the first thing you do? Do you run to God and cry out for help or do you look for human comfort, human wisdom for help and direction?

I know in my life God is not always the first place I turn. I comfort myself when I realize that I have not taken my situation to God with the excuses that God has given me wisdom to solve problems. God has placed people in my life that love and care about me and provide me comfort. But those are just excuses.

I say I believe the words of scripture. I tell people that God is a refuge in times of trouble, but do my actions bear witness to what I believe.

I think my actions may speak louder than my words when it comes to my faith. Because I can say I believe anything I want. But until I act out that belief in practical experience I wonder if I really believe.

So if my actions speak louder than my words then my actions say that I believe in my strength and my family and friend’s strength more than I do God’s. Because generally God is where I turn last. I turn to myself or family and friends first.

But I think I am in good company. Abraham, the father of faith, lied not once but twice to two different kings and said his wife was really his sister, instead of trusting in God’s protection. If the father of faith struggled with turning to God why should it be any different for me.

Maybe I really do believe what I say and it is just human nature to struggle in this manner. Maybe the struggle is what it is all about. Or just maybe the point is that no matter what life brings we learn to turn to God. Not because it is what we say we believe, not because it is what scripture tells us. But because through our own life experiences we learn that the wisdom and comfort God brings is far superior to anything a human can provide.

And like most people I have to learn things the hard way.