Weekly Devotional by Lisa Brown

Psalm 27:14 TPT Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!

In January I felt new desires welling up inside me – I prayed asking God to deepen the trust in my heart, teach me to share with Him more openly about my fears, and to eliminate my self-effort replacing it with total dependence on Him.  Wow!  God began moving quickly to answer that prayer!  By the end of the month He had placed me in a painful, fearful situation giving me the opportunity to develop the very spiritual muscles I had prayed would be strengthened.   I am currently resisting the urge to let my imagination carry me away with worst case scenarios by “entwining myself as one with the Lord”.  He speaks to me through my Bible study, trusted Christian mentors and friends, music, and daily experiences.  He reminds me that all my self-effort will do is thwart the very outcome I ache for.  He is developing my patience as I accept the reality that I have no power to control the circumstances I lament to Him throughout sleepless nights & anxiety filled days.  I can feel Him drawing me close and breathing hope into my spirit as His peace enters my heart.  I will keep waiting on the Lord.  It is the best option. He will never disappoint me.

Prayer:  Loving Father, thank you for fulfilling the desires You placed in my heart.  Continue to strengthen my spiritual muscles drawing me ever closer through trials and tribulation.  I am aware that you are growing my faith so it is deeper and stronger than my fears.  Continue developing my ability to abort all self-effort and wait upon You for You will never disappoint me.  In Jesus precious name, amen.

– Lisa Brown