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Excerpts

An Invitation for You

"Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in Heaven. Thy faithfulness continues throughout all generations; Thou didst establish the earth, and it stands. They stand this day according to Thine ordinances, For all things are Thy servants."

Psalms 119:89-91

Those ancient words bring comfort in a world full of uncertainty. We live in uncertain times. It's scary out there. We need only turn on the news, check the balances on our retirement accounts, or look at the brokenness within our own families to be reminded that nothing seems certain. Nothing. But still we long for certainty. We long for something that we can count on. Something to be sure of.

King David, who wrote the above words, lived in an uncertain world. His life was riddled with uncertainty and danger. Family jealousy. Political intrigue. War. Betrayal. Depression. Ridicule. Yet David was secure in the certain knowledge that God was faithful and God's truth eternal. How did he cling to that certain knowledge? Practice. He practiced citing the truth of God's character.

There are certain truths we can take hold of and count on. The verse above tells us that God's word is settled -- it is a sure thing. Everything else may seem unsettled, precarious, and uncertain, but God's word is sure.

Through His eternal word we can know His character. We can know He is present with us, will lead us, and will hold us securely; that He has a plan for us and it is good. Such truth cannot only chase away the fears that plague us, but can build courage and strength into our lives. To see such certainties, we have to be looking in the right place. We need to turn our eyes toward the Source of Truth: Absolute Truth.

In theory, that sounds so easy. A pat spiritual answer -- just focus on God's truth, found in His word, and our fears will just melt away. So why do I worry and fret? Why is it so hard to trust God during times of uncertainty? Personal experience has shown me a few uncomfortable realities about myself. I have a short memory for truth when the trials of life pile in on me. I suspect you are the same way. So what, then, is the answer? What will help us remember and apply truth to life when we need it? What will help us conquer our fears?

Practice.

We need to practice God's certain truths over and over again as we meet each new uncomfortable challenge in our lives. Like King David did. Growing in faith is a process -- an ongoing lifelong process. It is a choice. A decision we make to take God's truths and apply them to our own life. When fear, worry, and anxiety invade your thoughts and feelings, rather than beating yourself up, recognize that such moments are simply the evidence that God is about to build new faith and strength into your life if only you turn to Him for the wisdom He promises to give to all who ask for it. This is the purpose of this book -- to help us consider, focus upon, and practice the certain truths of God.

As I write this, I have just completed the book Fear Not Tomorrow, God Is Already There, in which I explore how to trust God in uncertain times. This devotional, which can be used as a companion or follow-up to that book or as a stand-alone book, has provided me with a way to practice and apply God's certain truths in my own life uncertainties. My hope and prayer is that it does the same for you.

I invite you to focus on God's certain truths in your uncertain times.

Ruth Graham

© 2009 Ruth Graham