(From the beginning of this blog, I have used this space to reflect theologically on the things we experience in the culture around us.  I would also love to use this space to give more people at NewLife the chance to share, exhort, encourage, edify, and teach the things that God is putting on their heart to share.  In that spirit, here are a few exhortations from our guest writer, Wes Feshler.  Given our current series on the life of Joseph, which deals heavily with the subject of trusting that God is working towards a good purpose even when He seems absent, here are a few of Wes’ exhortations related to that topic:)

(1) Trust God

Proverbs 3:1-8 - My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,  2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.  3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.  5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.  8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

I remember verses 5-6 as foundational Scriptures for new believers.  I remember a prophecy about trust given to me directly during a Sunday service.  I also remember for years after the inability and the struggle of trying to figure it out for myself and for others.  I never did really read nor apply verse 7, which had some answers for my dilemma, the same as for Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

(2) Wait

Psalm 27 - The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid?  2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.  3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.  4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.  5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.  6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.  7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.  8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.  9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.  10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.  11 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.  12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.  13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. 

Naturally, I am an immediate reactor to people and to circumstances.  I propose a lot of quick options to solve problems, and, many times, go beyond the simple and the obvious, and without permission.  I have learned that our God does very well without my ways and my timetables.  I have learned to operate within my boundaries and roles and to trust in His power to do the right things within me and in others.

(3) Rejoice

Philippians 4:4-20 - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable– if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things.  9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me– put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.  10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.  15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;  16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.  17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.  18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.  19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I have struggled with many highs and lows in my born again experiences.  God’s refining work still operates within me, and his peace, through it all, is certainly amazing.  I have discovered that true joy comes from a thankful heart in all things and good thoughts that entrust all of our cares to God.  How about the promises in verse 13 and in verse 19?

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