The Secret Treasure
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. Psalm 56:3 NASB
When – Are you afraid? I am. I have had a growing sense of fear for about a year now. I am concerned that our civilization is rushing toward the brink at breakneck speed. I look at my own financial circumstances. Things don’t look very reassuring. In fact, they appear more fragile than ever (and I have gone through a lot in the past). I worry about my children, my wife, my purpose in life. The Hebrew expression fits – yom eera, literally “the day I fear.” The verb yare is a Qal imperfect. That means the action is incomplete and fluid. The day of my fear isn’t over with. That day keeps happening in my life like rain in the Spring. One minute the skies are blue. The next minute there’s a thunderstorm. The “fear day” catches me by surprise, but it’s just as real as the rain.
David was afraid too. Did you notice that David doesn’t chastise himself because he is afraid. Being afraid is a natural human response to impending threats. Being afraid is not the kind of emotional reaction you can simply dismiss. The “No Fear” gang seems just a bit disconnected from reality. Just like David, we often find we are afraid – and for apparently good reason. Having someone tell you that God is in charge so you don’t need to be afraid seems a bit callous. What does that person know about my fears? Just being told that I shouldn’t be afraid makes very little difference.
David doesn’t hesitate to express the remedy to his fear. “I will put my trust in You.” Ani elekha evtah. Shout it out! “I in You will trust!” Trust – batah – a great verb, used only once for safety and security between human beings (Proverbs 31:11) but used many, many times for the feelings of safety and security between a man or woman and God. The basic idea of trust is reliability. “I can count on You, Lord, and I will count on You. You promised to care for me. I am banking on that promise.” The opposite of the Day of Fear is the Day of Trust. But there is more than an antonym here. The Day of Fear is an on-going experience of human existence forever projected into the future. It rides on the wings of what might happen to us. But the Day of Trust is not a Qal imperfect. The Day of Trust is a finished action in the past. It is anchored to the character of the promise-maker and it has been that way since He spoke the world into existence. The same God who enabled the sun to rise on the Day of my Fear is the God who asks me to trust Him with the rest of the hours in this day.
And I will.
Topical Index: fear, day, yare, yom, trust, batah, afraid, Psalm 56:3
Over the last few years most of what I spent a lifetime accumulating has vanished. I lost my business, my house, then my truck, my retirement account, health insurance, and pretty much anything we owned that could be sold to pay bills has been sold. Each loss was accompanied by great fear. I wondered if I could stand up under such losses. I have feared, but I have come through each event.
Unable to find a full time job, Debbie and I survive now with a odd collection of small earnings each week. The only asset that remains is a 2000 Honda Accord. The other night as I drove off in it to give a friend a ride home from work, I noticed we’d crossed the 200,000 mile mark on the odometer. I prayed quietly for the Lord to preserve and protect this one remaining physical asset upon which we rely for our transportation to work. As I waited at the next red light, someone plowed into the rear of that precious old Honda without even touching their brakes. I was propelled through the intersection. As I rolled slowly to a stop, I thought – Really, God???? Really???!!!
It was hard to turn my head and look at the damages. I exited slowly, checked for poking bones or puddles of blood and found none. The damage to the Honda was extensive. I knew immediately that it would be totaled, but that the check I’ll get for it won’t replace it. It was a somber moment. I realized that every worldly thing I have accumulated in a lifetime is gone. All that remains is God.
This may sound weird, but it seems enough…..
I lift my eyes to the hills — From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and of earth. (Psalm 121)
Steve,
I don’t have an address for you in my database. Would you please send it to me? skipmoen@mac.com
I wanted to cry for you – tears of sadness & tears of joy because they are all being stored for us by HIM (imagine that & for what – to water our heavenly gardens with blood sweat & TEARS)! We are all going through the same either less or more than what you typed. I too pray for my protection every time I leave my home & my two doxies because there have been way too many break-ins in our new neighborhood & also over my car & myself as I drive around the city doing errands or interviews for job.
Yesterday I had a great interview but it was downtown & was advised to park in a huge parking lot by potential employer. I could barely find a parking place on the third floor of the huge parking lot & squeezed in between a SUV & smaller car & when I had returned – someone had run into & put a huge dent on my back bumper – just made me sick – I ask too where was the/my Protection(or) – but I was not in the car & I was not harmed & the car (Toyota Camry/2003 with more 105,000 miles still runs like a dream & was given to me by the Lord via my mother for free) so what the outside now has a dimple on the left rear side – have to be smiling to show a big dimple like that!!!
The interview went great with the department heads (two women) but when I ended up in the young recruiter’s office (woman) I felt the fear as I had felt the day before when I was called to the unemployment office to take some assessments when I was warned if I didn’t complete something I would not continue to receive my benefits – I felt the fear again. These are fearful & perilous times we live in & will only continue to get worse – SO – YES, WE MUST TRUST IN OUR SAVIOR’S LOVE FOR US EVEN THOUGH IT MAY NOT LOOK LIKE WHAT WE THINK IT SHOULD/WILL/MUST LOOK LIKE BECAUSE HIS WAYS ARE HIGHER THAN OURS & HE KNOWS THE END FROM THE BEGINNING & WE DO NOT – WE MUST TRUST THAT HIS OUTCOME FOR US IS PERFECT LOVE FROM HIM EVEN THOUGH IT LOOKS LIKE THE LOW END OF THE STICK AS THE WORLD THINKS – LORD GIVE US THAT HEAVENLY MINDSET OF YOURS & HELP OUR UNBELIEF THAT YOUR PERFECT LOVE FOR US CASTS OUT ALL FEAR… ♥
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Thank you, Jan, for reminding us of the truthand your uplifting words!!
Wow. Wow. There are days when I am overwhelmed by the trials in my life and by the struggles my family faces, but your faith in the middle of what would seem to be more than bearable is incredible! What a testament to your faith, even if it’s hard-earned and sometimes tentative. It reminds me of Job. He lost everything. Except his wife and “friends.” But in the end, God restored much, much more than he had ever had before. Our God is good. And He promises to provide.
Thank you for your encouraging story and for the peace that seems to emanate from your heart.
Steve,
I was so blessed by your story, your vulnerability and most of all, by your TRUST!
In spite of all you and your wife have gone through recently, you are still able to say “All that remains is God, but it seems enough.” I know God is pleased with this response.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
You will be in my prayers.
I totally agree Judi & amen – so be it… ♥
Your description of the blue skies and thunderstorm is perfect. Oh, how I know that cycle. Skip, as you know, my life on planet earth has been quite insecure all my life. My latest adventures have been more of the same. What is different is how I have viewed and responded to the circumstances. God has never once let me down. After 25 years of being a believer and having no one to depend upon but God I am finally learning to rest in trust. This faith has come by seeing His actions/rescues. Repeatedly, he has rescued me from the consequences of my own impulsive choices. His mercies are unfathomable.
The way He deals individually with us according to our spiritual growth needs is awesome. My latest stretching adventure has been literally out of this world while being in it.
I was living with my 80 years + parents. They were both raised wealthy and inherited wealth. Due to years of unwise choices their funds were dwindling. Because of their inherited wealth they have little social security. They live in a home my sister helped them buy. This leaves them with a mortgage. I was just getting by with a healthy meals to go take out business. My parents home was seriously flooded and my business was dying. Suddenly, out of the blue, my private chef agent called with a nutritional private chef opportunity in a large city with a great salary. An answer to prayer. They had a sick child. It was an extremely wealthy family with super busy schedules. The children had been raised on restaurant and fast food. The consequences were sick and unhealthy children. I was so happy to share my skills and knowledge. The child got well and the other children became healthy but the split shift 14 hour on my feet work day was too much. I tried hard to keep up but my back gave out and I burned out so they ter
Images me. At first I was angry and scared. I had a years lease for an expensive apartment and I could no longer help my parents. I followed the counsel of a wise, deeply spiritual friend who also held me up in prayer. I was able to release old patterns that had caused many of my life’s problems. I spent much time in silent prayer and dealt with my employers with compassion and understanding. Low and behold they offered me a generous severance. At this same time a free-lance nutritional chef job opened up and another business opportunity appeared. By the grace of God I am actually making well thought out decisions and watching the glory of God manifest. He always rescues His children. If we are His children we will experience His discipline in order to stretch us into His character.
Some how lost part of the sentence: they terminated me.
I so dislike those words “terminated me/termination” but most of the time it is for our own good. Sometimes we are caught between a rock & a hard space & know we should voluntarily resign but we think of all the things that we have to pay or provide for others with that salary or survive for ourselves & never step out & just leave on our own before it gets to the termination stage – again believing that GOD IS IN CONTROL & WILL PROVIDE FOR US EVEN IF IT IS OUR DECISION TO QUIT. Not trusting in HIM to be our only true PROVIDER can cause a lot of heartache & unwise decisions to stay out of fear. Thank You Jesus that we are learning even at our vintage/sage/wise ol age – kinda hard headed aren’t we… ♥
SO SO TRUE ROBIN – so thankful & joyful to hear about all the changes & how HE has brought you through once again… ♥
This time it’s not going to be short. My apologies for being (lol!) “long-winded,” but here goes. BTW- did you know YHWH is “long-winded?”- He never runs out of Breath!
I have a history with G-d and so do you. (You do have a history with Him, right?) Ok, then.. just checking. Brother Skip- you are absolutely correct my brother- “the way we know our future is by looking at our past.” There are wonderful lessons learned from every story (both) in our Bible and in (what we term) “real life.” LOL!- “The Real Life Adventures of Carl” “of Skip” “of Job” -of Moses, of David, etc.. Yes, “real people!”
Know this. (this will prove itself true)- My friends (and family) three-hundred sixty six times G-d has said, (it’s always good to know what He said) “Fear Not.” Not once.. not twice.. not even three times- three hundred sixty six! Lol!- Is there a reason for this? (May I, at this time, release just a small “oy!”) Ah.. feeling better..
Yes, our G-d can be trusted. May I repeat today’s word? When I am afraid.. (does this imply I will be afraid?) Absolutely, for I too, am human. Fragile and frail and very vulnerable. “Weak” is the word. But, (love this word), “but”, – what a game-changer! – G-d is (forever) Faithful. (and how I’ve “proved Him” o’er and o’er..
A personal testimony? (this might be a bit long–sorry..)
G-d is working with me and on me to show His Sovereignty. I am having one “aha” moment after another, (amazing what happens when you get your heart right..) and so excited YHWH is revealing Himself to me in the daily circumstances of my everday, ordinary?, life. I say ordinary because it is just that.. so ordinary, it is “extra-ordinary!” lol!
I was fat and happy- great job, good money, lovin’ every day and walking in the Spirit.. and then.. Remember this? “Life is a test.” – And yes, -it is.. We (all who name the Name) will be tested and yes.. “tribulated.” lol!- Been tribulated lately?
I’m working at a bank. Not just “a bank”- the world headquarters for this particular bank. Two weeks earlier a fire alarm (false alarm) sounded (this was on a Saturday and the bank was closed), but the downtown bank was immediately surrounded by a bevy of fire engines and in came the men dressed in full battle regalia and stormed the stairs- looking for the source of the alarm. At the time, I was in the lobby of the bank, drinking a cup of my favorite coffee- and watching the scene unfold before my eyes. (Remember?- we walk by faith, NOT by sight..) Okay.. things settle down- the source was found- (false alarm) and now we’re all “back to happy,”- but I now have a memory of what a fire alarm at a major bank “looks like.” Impressive.. and I was impressed. The purpose of this? lol!-“Wait and see..”
Two weeks pass, but the memory is still fresh.. Sirens, alarms, buzzers- definitely not your normal day at a bank, but now it’s “just a memory..”- Or is it?
Today is a Monday. The bank is full of employees, top to bottom and no telling how many $$ of “business” are occurring even at this moment.. I am an electrician by trade and have just (quite by serendipitous accident) set off the fire alarm in a building supposedly tied to the main bank’s fire alarm system.. Bells, whistles, loud alarms are now ringing in my ears. I am near a window where I can look out to view the fire trucks rolling down the street. I am anticipating all employees to empty out to the street, as is the proper procedure for such an event. But I have a choice- and here it is.. I can either panic or pray. What is my choice here? (True story, y’all..) Yes.. “this is a test..”
End of story?? “what time I am afraid.. I will trust in you..” oh.. and also- “though He slay me.. yet will I trust Him” ( Yes, -“yet..”) “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, “yet” I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in G-d my Savior.”
Does Elohim want us to trust Him? Implicity and explicity. Always and forever- He is the Worthy ONE.
Does this story have a “happy ending?” oh yes… it does. For you see, “the LORD is good..” Yes,..
Mr. Roberts, (after being “transferred” from the bank job) landed on his feet. And the story (His story) doesn’t end until I draw my last breath. G-d never wastes a crisis. Were there lessons learned here? Oh… -yes! If He leads us to it (and He does..), then He will lead us through it..(and He does!) Every time.. -don’t panic, pray!- (remember?- LORD, teach us to pray!!)
Dear ones- “the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold..” Does this scare you? The furnace heated seven times? (is it hot in here?). Who,my friends, was in the furnace with the three? “The LORD thy G-d in the midst of thee is mighty..” Whose hand is on the thermostat? Who knows “how hot” and “how long?” lol!- He does! And.. -are we listening?- nothing like a whack to the head (or wallet) to get my attention.. Carl, “fix your focus!” Kavannah!- Amein? What do friends and lovers enjoy? -Fixed and focused attention!” Looking unto Yeshua (and away from everything else!) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee!
Yes.. “stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed.. -finding as He promised perfect peace and rest..” Is there more? Is this all? lol!- I’m still breathing, right? lol!.. “but wait!- there’s more!”
So, what is this- “the never ending story?” This is our G-d conforming (yes, a word of heat and pressure) into the image of the Son, into the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (the Annointed)- in order that He may present unto Himself a glorious church not having spot or wrinkle.. – And how do we remove wrinkles from our clothing- (voila!)- with (drumroll please..), yes, once again.. heat and pressure.. (feeling the heat?) It’s G-d. -And “it is written”- He doeth all things well..
I “enjoyed” a crisis, just last nite.. (talk about fresh!) But I can testify.. (once again..) “don’t panic, pray! Was I praying during this? Absolutely. Did He hear and answer my prayer? lol!.. “Here am I”.. “behold, -me!”
So who is this guy? My name, translated into Chinese would be..- sum-dum-guy. Just a man who has learned (yes, -the hard way..lol!)- to pray.. Pray, pray, and then pray. My “battle plan?” “Submit, commit, don’t quit- get fit” “Trust in the LORD, wait patiently for Him and He will bring it to pass.” The zeal of the LORD will perform this, for it is G-d that worketh in you (us), both to will and to do of His good pleasure” This is the LORD’s doings and it is marvelous in our eyes.. Who shall deliver us? Whose very Name is Salvation/Deliverer/Victor?
“For whosoever (I just happen to be one of these) shall call upon the Name of the LORD shall be saved..” lol!- Ask me if I believe in prayer! I’ve got stories!! Ho-hum.. another day, another miracle! No, no and no!- Brothers! Sisters! Listen closely- pay attention, hearken!, heed! shema!- “Blessed is the Name of the LORD!! “Blessed is Hashem!!
I’m nobody special. A weak, tired, rode hard and hung up wet, shell of a man who has (finally) learned victory through surrender.
So much to say- concerning prayer.. I’ll stop at this.. – “try it, you’ll like it!!” -“Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness..” amein!