Article published in the DEAR SISTERS MAGAZINE - ISSUE 13
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| Sleeping Giant, Belmopan, Belize |
I stand in awe of the magnificent splendour, the delicate intricacies, the dynamic balance, the incredible depth, the vivid palette, and the beneficial healing aspects of nature. Everywhere I looked at nature in Belize, on the sandy coast of the Caribbean Sea and in the lush tropical jungle near the Belize River Valley with a view of the Mountain Pine Ridge foothills, I was immersed in the wonder of it all!
"The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these." Isaiah 45:7
Just like nature compels me to notice the Creator, the seemingly never-ending pandemic has compelled me to more earnestly seek the One who is in control, not just of nature but, of ALL. Drawing me close to the One who has a sovereign plan, unending compassion, healing hands, love so amazing; who is full of grace, mercy, and truth; who causes well-being, but also creates calamity.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
"Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in Him because we trust in His holy name. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in you." Psalm 33:20-22
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song; He also has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise-- in God I trust and am not afraid." Psalm 56:3-4
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act." Psalm 37:5
"You keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." Isaiah 26:3-4
"And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9:10
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord; and whose hope is the Lord." Jeremiah 17:7
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him." Psalm 28:7
Clearly, my response should be to trust. I am instructed to trust Him and not my understanding of things; to hope in Him; to trust and not be afraid; to commit my way to Him; to stay my mind on Him; and to give thanks to Him. Reality is I am over here kicking and screaming and freaking out. Kidding, but not kidding. Some days I don't know what to think, how to feel, or who to trust, but when I stop my racing heart and my busy mind, I remember the Creator. The Creator I saw in Belize and my other travels, and the Creator I see everyday in my backyard. I know I am His, and He is mine, and I trust. Maybe just for a moment, but I practice trust. I trust that He is Who He says He is, that He will do what He says He will do; I trust that He holds me in the palms of His hands, that I am under His wing, and in the shelter of Him, my rock. And my dear reader, you can trust Him too!
"I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." Isaiah 49:15-16
"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge, His faithful promises are your armour and protection." Psalm 91:4
"How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings!" Psalm 36:7
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in Whom I take refuge." Psalm 18:2
