By Judy Wallace
I knew they were there. I had seen them the day before. I had been there when they were built and had visited both. But because of the fog, I couldn’t see my niece’s and nephew’s houses across the field.
The fact of the presence of those houses dispelled any doubt the fog may have implied by its damp, gray curtain that they even existed. Oh, that we would be that cognizant of the presence of our Heavenly Father no matter what may try and block our view.
To have a godly family legacy, we must have our own personal legacy with God. From the time we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, we began a journey that should have solidified our total trust in His presence despite the “fogs” in our lives.
• There is the fog of physical decline. When your husband has been diagnosed with cancer, when you are facing surgery, when several of your most faithful church members have major, sometimes incurable diseases, the fog rolls in and tries to hide the fact of God’s presence; the fact that He is Jehovah-Rapha — the God Who heals.
• Then there is the fog of financial despair. Does there seem to be a lot more month at the end of your paycheck? Is it difficult to meet even your most basic needs, like food and shelter? Then the fog rolls in and tries to hide the fact of God’s provision; the fact that He is Jehovah-Jireh — the God Who provides.
• Next is the fog of relationships. Maybe it is constant disagreements with your spouse. Or perhaps you have a broken relationship with a child. It could be that out of the clear blue, you have been hurt by someone you thought was your friend. That’s when the fog rolls in and tries to hide the fact that God loves us unconditionally and wants us to show the same love to others, the fact that He is Jehovah-Shalom — the God of Peace.
• Finally, we have the fog of anxiety and worry. These sins (and yes, that’s what they are!) could be some of the most devastating. The mind is constantly set on the problem, the person, the malady, the money… or lack thereof. These thoughts occupy the heart and mind so much that there is no room for any other thought. This fog controls all of the others and tries to hide the fact that God is Jehovah-Roi — the God Who sees.
The fogs will always be there, but the facts are much more reliable. He is there and present with us at all times. He sees what we are going through and is there to provide for and guide us. Trust the truth of Who God is. Don’t let the fogs detract your view of Him.
The song by John Peterson says, “I will trust when I cannot see, though I’m faced with adversities, and believe Your will is always best for me. I will trust when I cannot see.”
Prayer: “Father, it is so easy to dwell on the problem and circumstances instead of choosing to look to you. You promise to always be with us in any and all situations. Help us to dwell on that fact.”
Scripture: Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 139; Prov. 3:5-6; Phil. 4:6
In Transforming Grace, Jerry Bridges said, “Lord, I am willing to receive what You give, to lack what You withhold, to relinquish what You take, to suffer what You inflict, to be what You require.”
— These articles are shared via the National WMA web page blog that can be accessed at nationalwma.org/blogs.
