Fully Relying on God

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Knowing my penchant for worry, she thought it a good reminder of the acronym FROG: Fully Rely On God. It’s hard to be depressed when there’s a frog on your desk; and it’s hard not to rejoice when you’re fully relying on Him.” Robert J. Morgan, My All in All

365 times the bible counsels fear not. It must be important! Instead, I white-knuckle, grit my teeth, remind myself of all that patience and endurance I’m developing. I devise, I plan, circumvent, put more elbow-grease into it and exhaust myself. Did my Father set up an obstacle course?

No, of course not. This is the way the world is. Today.

I have a little tree frog in my garden. He is almost the size of a quarter. I know this because he’s hitchhiked into my home several times and landed in the tub, kitchen sink, houseplant and carpet. Boy can he croak! He (or her, not sure how to tell frogs sex) relies on me to put him back in his home. And I do. He’s such a welcome critter in my flowers. He reminds me of who I rely on.

FROG: Fully Rely on God.

Musings

If “fear not” was easy, would our Father put it in his word 365 times? How many times have we prayed, sang, memorized “I shall not want” from the beloved 23^rd psalm? Too many for me. May we remember who’s really in charge and remove fear and embrace trust.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you that we can always rely on you. How blessed are we that the more we draw close to you the more care and protection we enjoy. Help us, like Martha’s sister at Jesus’ feet, to just drink in being in your presence. Help us to abide in you and listen really listen. And trust.

Amen.