The Plumb Line: Caging the Wild Bear

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Caging the Wild Bear

"Those who know your name will trust you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." (Psalm 9:10)

Forsaken! Forgotten! Abandoned! These are the feelings so many of us encounter from time to time, especially during periods of increased stress, pain, bad reports from the doctors, friends who don't understand, and family who seems to suffer from helplessness. These feelings are real, and they seem to overwhelm us like an ocean's waves, rising and receding in some form of unearthly, unmetered tempo.

Dealing with feelings like these is like trying to cage a wild bear. We seem to capture them, get them tamed, and suddenly they rare up and break out of their boundaries to unsuspectingly attack.

There are two keeps unlocking the door to security and assurance even during the seasons of attack: Knowing God and Trusting God.

Knowing God is more than merely acknowledging His existence—it's a very personal knowledge and pursuit of an intimate relationship through prayer and time in God's Word. Knowing God is learning His character and understanding who He is and the depth of His love toward us.

Trusting God is more than merely acknowledging that He is in control—nearly everyone will tell you, "God is in control." But, knowing God is in control by laying down our desires and allowing His plan and purpose to be developed and fulfilled in us is the form of trust that the Psalmist is referring to.

When we seek the Lord, we begin to understand the character of God and His unfailing love in a deeper way. When we seek the Lord, we begin to understand that our lives are secure in His most capable hands regardless of how we feel. When we seek the Lord, we learn to rest in the assurance that we will never be forsaken, forgotten, or abandoned.

Most precious Father, help me to remain secure in You even in the midst of times when I feel so insecure. I choose to believe that You will never forsake me. I choose to seek You to know You and trust You at all times. Amen!