A distinct memory entered my mind one recent Sunday morning.  I guess the mountain background on the Bible  trivia questions before the church service began triggered something.  The memory from the summer of 1991 is one that found me overcome with fear: a fear that was overcome by TRUST.  Gary and I had driven to northern Texas with our three girls to visit my sister and her husband. The girls were six, six, and two at the time.  One of our daytime trips included a picnic inside a wildlife refuge in the area of Lawton, Oklahoma.  Bison wandered the roads and rolling hills. Smaller animals scampered all around. Small flowers were visible on the ground cover. 

Our lunch was eaten near a small lake with a narrow dam.  On the other side of the dam we could see a dry riverbed covered with stones and rocks.  After lunch my brother in law suggested we cross the dam to explore the other side. All of my worst phobias came into play at the moment. A dam with no rails between deep water and a steep incline. And the dam was not wide!  While I was hesitating, my brother in law picked up one of my girls, my sister another and they began crossing.  I followed with my husband carrying the third daughter.  I trusted my brother in law enough to overcome my fears.  He knew the area and knew we were safe. (And he had my child!)  He did find us another back further down the dry creek bed though!  This memory sent my mind in motion. 

TRUST– How many times have I put my trust not just in God, but in the people he has put in my life. Some for moments, some for a season, and some for most of my life. I trusted that doctors knew what the best plan was for our preemies. I trusted that surgeons knew how to correct our daughter’s eyesight. I trusted that surgeons knew how to repair my husband’s and our son’s heart, in addition to several other surgeries in our lives.  I trusted that the time was right when job opportunities arose. I trust that God has always led me on the path he chose for my life.  I trust that even when I take detours, he guides me back to that path.  

As life changes occur from time to time, my faith in God gives me the trust I need to step out on that faith.  I trust that he always knows what is best.  I trust that he will continue to guide my decisions as long as I look to HIM for those directions.  I trust that even when disappointments come, he will cover me with his feathers and show me his peace and presence.  I trust that HE will open windows anytime doors are closed. I trust he will help me open the right window. I trust he is with me always. 

“I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4