Believin’ Through the Blur

Looky here, I’m so glad you showed up, friend. Come on up on this ol’ front porch and sit with me so we can be watchin’ that determined lil’ ol’ goat over there tryin’ to climb up in a rocking chair. I figure we need somebody to help us both process what we’re seein’ right before our eyes. Psalm 80:19 settles under the skin like a tired lil’ ol’ beaver findin’ a quiet patch of mud after draggin’ a log twice its size. That there verse guides us by sayin’, “Restore us, O Lord God of hosts. Cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved.” We’re talkin’ about those seasons when you love God, trust God, and still feel like your faith is a whole lot thinner than a silly lil’ chicken hen tryin’ to balance on a clothesline.

There are times when you walk through sufferin’ and loss and, by God’s grace and help, you make it through. But friend, what about them ol’ days when you’re still stuck way out in the wilderness? Them days when your prayers feel like they’re plum floatin’ up slower than a sleepy hoot owl tryin’ to flap its wings. Them real tough days when God seems like He’s real quiet and your heart feels sho’-nuff’ louder than your hope.

Mark 9 gives us a picture that plum feels like home. A desperate father brings his tormented boy to Jesus and says, “If You can do anything.” Jesus answers, “If You can?” Then the father blurts out words that have carried many of us through long nights. “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” That there’s where most of us live. We believe, but sometimes our little bit of faith limps around like a lil’ ol’ raccoon that did its best to outrun a tractor.

Psalm 34:18 adds depth to this moment by sayin, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God is not at all bothered by your doubt. He’s not offended by your questions. He’s not surprised at all when your faith gits to feelin’ real thin. He meets you right there where you are, just like He met that father. You know, revival often begins in the very places where your confidence feels mighty wobbly.

So, what do you do? First, you’ve gotta be real honest with Jesus. He already knows what’s goin’ on with you. Second, you gotta return to what you know is true. Feelin’s change. Circumstances change. But God don’t ever change. Third, you gotta take the next step. You don’t need to see the whole path ahead of you to trust the One who does.

Father, restore us. Help our unbelief. Strengthen our hearts. Shine Your face upon us and revive us again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ok, then, Friend, before you leave here today you gotta be lettin’ this here truth git to settlin’ in your spirit like a lil’ ol’ deer findin’ a quiet stream after outrunnin’ a noisy flock of crows. Faith ain’t the absence of questions. Faith is plum trustin’ God for one more day. When your belief feels mighty thin, God’s grip on you ain’t thin at all. He’s got you. He’s plum carried you this far, and He ain’t even gonna be thinkin’ about droppin’ you now. You’re His beloved child!

With joy,

Gwen