The woman journaled daily about the insights from the Bible God had brought to her mind, and from her writings I gather she had many a visitor whom she counseled, encouraged, and prayed over. What a blessing to have her writings now, over a century later.
I also journal, but I doubt anyone will ever have a notion to publish my writings after I'm gone. Come to think of it, I'm not sure I'd want them published. Some are way too personal.
This morning as I looked toward the coming of 2013, I read Amy's words about trusting God. She said that according to Young's Concordance, the word trust can be read as meaning 'to lean on.' I immediately had a vision of leaning against God through every day of my life in the coming year, much like the disciple John leaned against Jesus at the last supper. Many a time I've set out on my own without pausing to pray for God's guidance and surrendering it all to Him, and many a time things haven't worked out.
As we enter 2013 with talks of the 'fiscal cliff' looming, a new healthcare plan taking place, and an economy that is still wobbling, I can't think of any better place to be than leaning on God. I can lean on Him for the big stuff going on in Washington D.C. and I can lean on Him for my writing and possible future contracts. I can lean on him for help in losing those five or six pounds I gained over the past month or so (I've already started working on that!) And I can lean on Him for my health and for whatever lies ahead that I may or may not be prepared to face.
And that gives me peace.
Happy New Year!
9 comments:
Great post, Pam. Very insightful!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Pam. Amy Carmichael's thoughts on the meaning of "trust" reminds me of a story I heard years ago about the meaning of "faith," which is much the same idea: a missionary was working on translating the New Testament into a local tribal dialect, which had no word for "faith." While he struggled with how to convey the meaning in a way the people would understand, he leaned back in his chair, feet on his desk. Just then, his assistant came in to discuss something with him and commented in the local language, "You sure are putting your weight on that chair." The word he used for "putting your weight on" was just the word for "faith" the missionary had been looking for. When we trust God/have faith in Him, we lean our whole weight on Him and trust Him to hold us up. No matter what you call it, it's such a blessing to be able, by His grace, to do it!
Y, that's an awesome correlation. Love this kind of stuff. I'm glad you shared it.
I love the vision of John leaning on Jesus. John is my personal favorite of all the disciples, partially because of Ellen Gunderson Traylor's book, John Son of Thunder. I trust God, but sometimes struggle with some areas. I suppose we all do. :)
Ane, it is difficult at times to lean on God 100 percent. Especially when his timing is not our own. Waiting is hard. Many times I claim Philippians 4: 6-7 - do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
My favorite stories of Amy are her relationship to the DOM (Dear Old Man) her begging Jesus to turn her eyes blue like the rest of her family, and how she longed to serve under Hudson Taylor in China. And even though her health prevented it, she still learned a great lesson from him on communication. He dressed like the Chinese. She followed his example and dressed like the natives of India. AND with her brown eyes, she was readily accepted.
I can rest when things do not make sense to me, because it always makes sense in the heart of our Abba Father. :)
Hi Anonymous,
I've heard that story before about her wanting to have blue eyes, but then going to India and finding out she fit right in with her brown eyes. God always has it right, doesn't He?
Are you familiar with the song "Lean On ME" (no, not THAT version) that goes "Lean on Me, when you have no strength to stand. When you feel you're going under, hold tighter to My hand. Lean on Me when your heart begins to bleed. When you come to the place that I'm all you have, you'll find I'm all you need..." It's beautiful. Great post, too!
Sadie and Sophie, you know that "other" song started running through my head as soon as I read your question. Now I can't get it out of my head. :-) But I like the lyrics of the one you were talking about a whole lot better.
Post a Comment