Trust

“The joys of earth are fragile, meant to point us to the ultimate source of eternal joy.”*

Everyone has sorrows on earth, but we understand this statement in a different way. We have seen the things we love shatter. That which we counted on most was simply not strong enough to endure. Even the smallest joys are taken from us.

Elisabeth Elliot once said that God was gently prying her fingers from the things of this world, from the things she cherished. It caused her to turn her focus to what was eternal.

I’m grateful that God is doing that with me, but it hurts. I grieve what was and what I hoped would be. It’s not what I would have chosen.

But my life is in the hands of a good God. A Good Shepherd. A loving Heavenly Father. A God who died in my place.

For the millionth time it is as if this good God is asking me, “Do you trust me?”

Of course I answer yes.

Then he responds, “Do you really?”

*****

*I cannot remember who said this in a sermon, so I apologize to them for a lack of attribution.