I’ve been humming that old hymn “Trust and Obey” lately. There are a bunch of verses, but the chorus is this:
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
Those two really do go together. Obedience is a manifestation of trust. How can we say that we trust Our Lord and disobey what He asks of us? If I say, “Yes, I trust Him,” then when He asks something that seems impossible to my eyes, I need to rest in that trust and take the leap. And that is my thought for the day. Shana Tov!
Today is Rosh Hoshana (the head of the year, or Yom Teruah (the Day of Trumpets or the Day of Blowing). It is the onset of the fall feasts, and the beginning of the 10 Days of Awe leading up to Yom Kippur, and the Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles. There is a lot of speculation as to what this time means in regards to the Day of the Lord, end times and all that, but I will leave that to people more knowledgeable than I.
I’m reflecting on the fact that this day is about announcing. It’s heralding the time of harvest, prodding us to reflect and repent, which can be bitter, humiliating, and I don’t know what else. It’s also a preparation for a glorious 8 day party, celebrating the Lord, His blessings, our family, our community, etc.
In Deuteronomy 32, the Song of Moses is taught. Yah instructed Moses to compose a song and teach it to the children of Israel, which was passed on from generation to generation. It calls for His people to learn from the past and look to the future. We sometimes either get bogged down by our past to the point that we can’t move on to what He has for us, or we completely dismiss and ignore our past, and can’t figure out why we keep making the same mistakes. Our Father – so loving, trustworthy, and faithful – framed the appointed times in such a way that we are always growing closer to Him and shedding or turning away from the things that hinder. I am in awe, and during these Days of Awe, I will continue to reflect, repent, and learn, that I may go into the future celebrating His glory!!
As I commented yesterday, taking this time to reflect on this trust journey has been surprisingly strengthening, and quite honestly transformative. I feel like my heart is being repaired, healed, renewed – all of that and more as I make the choice to trust. Again, it’s not a perfect journey, but I guess that’s what makes it a journey. And I love it that my good friend over at Redshoooz has the heart reflection going on, and to see how it intersects, repeatedly.
So, I want to share some verses with you that I came across that ties these concepts together. I’ve posted a video for mood music, also 🙂
But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:4-6
Blessed be the Lord, Because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him. The Lord is their strength, And He is a saving defense to His anointed. Psalm 28:6-8
Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name. Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You. Psalm 33:20-22
On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:7-8
For he will never be shaken; The righteous will be remembered forever. He will not fear evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
His heart is upheld, he will not fear,
Until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries. Psalm 112:6-8
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 your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7
Busy days in many ways – physically, mentally, and emotionally. There have been highs and lows; some days the highs win, some days the low. Walking out this reflection journey of trust, though, has been strengthening in ways that I haven’t expected. There are still dark days, but I know I will get through. Trust is my first go-to, not my last. It doesn’t always look or feel pretty, but it it’s there, and I’m grateful.
I was listening to a playlist put together by a friend, and this song pretty shouted out a lovely anthem. Enjoy it with me will you?
And the Adventure Continues 