“Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with the saving might of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand upright.
Psalm 20:6-8 ESV
Yesterday we looked at a quote from Brother Lawrence that reminded us of God’s love for us, and that in every circumstance, bitter and sweet, His desire is for our good. Romans 8:28 reads, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (ESV). So we know that whether we receive good or bad in our lives it is always for our good.
When we are able to grasp this truth, it is liberating. It’s like finding the toy at the top of the cereal box. We know the outcome before we taste even one bite of our circumstances! Is the cereal the be all and end all of our lives?
If we receive only good, does that mean that we have a better life? Does it mean that we are closer to God? Conversely, if we receive only bad, does that mean that we have a worse life? Or is it a sign that we are distant from God? The answer is “no” in each case.
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV emphasis mine).
Some trust in the horses and chariots of favorable circumstances. But their trust runs out as soon as circumstances change. Speed and progress come easily with a favorable wind, but the wind is unreliable. “But we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.” When we put our trust in the Father, and find our joy and security in his love, not even the bitter circumstances will cause us to fall. We stand securely in His hand.
Skipping Stones 
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