Sue’s Monday Morning Meditation
01/22/2024
Scripture:
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG)
Prayer:
Fortify me with TRUST, the grace of your Holy Spirit, and give your peace to my soul that I may be free from all needless lack of TRUST. Help me to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to you so that your Will may be my will.
Grant that I may rid myself of unholy desires that hinder my TRUST in you …
Amen.
(Note: Today’s prayer is based on one of Sr. Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917), See the actual prayer here)
Comments:
When I invited Listening on the Journey … readers to share their guiding word for 2024, many said it is TRUST. This caused me to recall my own encounter with the matter of believing vs. TRUSTING.
The woman with whom I met had a deep faith. She was passionate about biblical accuracy and knowledgeable of Scripture. The roots of her Christian beliefs ran deeply. Following several meetings, however, I observed her critical nature; suppressed rage; reluctance to extend grace; unwillingness to acknowledge unforgiveness; and refusal to reach out for faith community support.
One day, pointing to my head, I said, “You possess wonderful knowledge and sincere beliefs.” Then, pointing toward my heart, I questioned, “But I wonder how much you allow yourself to really TRUST God?” Tears brimmed in her eyes, and I knew my observation struck a chord.
Following our appointment, I spent hours searching Scripture in order to give this woman some helpful tools. (There are over 230 references to TRUST in the Bible.)
A not-so-unusual thing happened while I researched answers for someone else. The more references to TRUST I unearthed, the more I realized that like my friend, I held some deep beliefs, that were in fact, knowledge which had not moved from my head to truly trusting God in my heart.
Reflection Question:
In what area(s) of your life can you see that your belief about God in a particular area may be spot on, but if honest, you realize that knowledge has not worked its way from belief to TRUST? What do you think might change if that happened?
Blessings on your meditations this Monday!
