Do you have a favorite month of the year? I love September. There’s something about returning to regular routines, breathing in the crisp autumn air, and enjoying the whispers of the trees as they prepare to display their vibrant hues.
What are you looking forward to this fall? A new season signifying a new beginning? A family reunion or wedding? A conference or get-away weekend? I have a few things I’m anticipating. Visits with my children and my growing grandkids always top the list. Then, there’s quiet suppers with my dad, and even spending a few evenings alone with a good book.
On the other hand, what are you dreading?
I’ll be honest with you. At times, I find myself dreading quite a list of things. Things like managing a challenging relationship or tackling necessary paperwork or learning to navigate some major health concerns. My conscientious side fears hurting those I love. Or making a mistake when it seems I’m feeling my way in the dark.
I’m learning that dread and trust are at opposite ends of the spectrum. If I’m dreading, even in the ordinary things, can I truly be trusting the God who promises to walk beside me as my refuge and strength 
through both the big and little challenges?
We’re not alone in this tug-of-war between dread and trust. Way back in the days when the Hebrew people finally camped on the brink of the Promised Land, Moses spoke these words, “Dread not, neither be afraid . . . The Lord your God Who goes before you, He will fight for you . . . Yet in spite of this word [the people] did not believe (trust, rely on, and remain steadfast to) the Lord [their] God” (Deuteronomy 1:29-30, 32 AMPC). As a consequence of their unbelief, they wandered in the wilderness for forty years instead of enjoying the blessings God had planned for them.
Lately, I’ve been challenged by the apostle John’s reminder to “practice the truth” (1 John 1:6). The truth that God invites us to come to the throne of grace to ask for wisdom. The truth that He will never leave us or forsake us. The truth that He has a purposeful plan for our lives and will guide us every step of the way.
Throughout the past months, over and over, God has given me every reason to trust Him. These evidences of His power and involvement in my life serve as stones of remembrance. They help me recall and practice the truth the next time my stomach knots up and I find myself dreading instead of trusting.
“Dread not. Neither be afraid.” Words of grace to live by every single day . . . and an intentional decision that gives hope to our future.
While dreading the continued illness leftovers and the recovery from this surgery having messed with muscles which will now be needing PT, I’m also trusting God and looking forward to a new direction in my writing to which He’s been leading me for quite some time. Blessed thoughts, Sarah. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks, Cathy, for you good thoughts. I pray you will heal well. So glad you are gaining direction in your writing, too. Aren’t you glad God has a plan in all the ups and downs we experience? Many times it’s an exercise of faith. Blessings to you!