Last week, I took a short quiz on dayspring.com to find my “word of the year.” The word I got was believe. I googled the definition. To believe is to feel sure of. To put one’s trust in something. To accept something as true. This word is perfect for me. It will serve as a reminder over the many coming months of what I hold fast to – my belief, my trust in God.
“For You, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.” (Psalm 71:5 ESV) Indeed, I have believed in the Lord from a very young age. As a result, my deeply rooted faith has guided my life – through the mountains and the valleys. I have always relied upon the Lord to see me through any hardship or difficulty, but it isn’t always easy. Sometimes I worry or obsess over things, instead of leaving my concerns in the capable hands of God. Sometimes it is hard to believe that things are going to work out.
I am reminded of the story of Jesus and the demon possessed boy. The boy’s father comes to Jesus asking him if he can do anything to help his poor child. If. That doesn’t sound like someone who fully trusts that Jesus is up to the task of healing his son. Jesus echoes the man, “If You can? All things are possible to him who believes!” (Mark 9:23 BSB) The father answers, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24 BSB) And Jesus proceeds to drive out the evil spirit from the boy.
Don’t we all have some situations in life that just seem too insurmountable – even with God’s help? We can all become so consumed by our problems that we wonder whether or not the Lord sees us in our time of need. But He does. He always does. He is fully capable of helping us through even the most challenging of circumstances. God will be by our sides, holding our hand through the struggles and ever encouraging us to believe. Believe that God is good. Believe that He loves you. Believe that He is near, always.
This year, I’m taking my word “Believe” to heart. I will believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that He has redeemed me and made me new. I will believe that “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 NIV) Won’t you?
All things are possible to him who believes!
Mark 9:23 BSB
Thank you for such a poignant reminder that Jesus is there at ALL times, on the mountain tops and in the valleys of our lives!
We(I) only need to Believe. Your words could not be more needed by me and many others as we begin a New Year believing in the always loving and just perfector of our faith❣️🙏🏻