Be not dismayed

I'm pretty sure this trail started from Louie's "LIFT" series - look up, see WHO is walking with you, and realize that He's on your side.

last September I was told:

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

this past Wednesday I read:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
~Joshua 1:9

It's not 'do your best' or 'try your hardest' - it's "BE NOT."
Because we're not on our own. I AM your God. I AM with you.

I'm in such a different season right now...waiting on some things, acting on other things...and I realized that when I'm in need of patience, it's much easier to say that it's "God's timing" when a situation is moving slowly, rather than when pieces are connecting quickly and you have to move! haha, I felt so silly when this thought unfolded...like, I had gotten so used to waiting (and really, dangerously close to complacency), that when I saw the plans being established, I began questioning if this could still be God moving. Thankfully, my 'silliness' finally led to my repentance, for doubting God's attention to detail and ability to fulfill even (seemingly) petty requests. (and I'm being quite vague right now.....=/ sorry.)

The gist ~ God can move slowly. God can move quickly. But He's outside of time and space anyway, so we're not even talking/moving in the same terms. I guess my lesson would be to stand still and trust in HIS (greater) purpose, even when it seems like He's moving quicker (or slower) than I expected. annnd, this isn't anything especially new or groundbreaking. but that's ok.

*Something to be thankful for: the best co-workers in the world. =) God is so good. It had been such a long time since we'd had the chance for a nice, 2-hour lunch, with time to hear one another's hearts and discuss what God has been working on in us recently. and I really love being the youngest one there - such a helpful point of humility, and a good excuse to be picked on. =) (besides, they're old - it makes them feel better. hahahahaha!)

but really: "God didn't make you to be in a mold - He made you to be moldable." -Ashly

Yes and amen and thank you, Jesus, for the opportunity to increase my flexibility.

14The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
16You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
18The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
(Psalm 145 ~ courtesy of PCC's summer reading)

Goodness...only 6 verses, and it still reveals how He is such a God of action!
He upholds, lifts, gives, opens, satisfies, fulfills, hears, saves...and all at the proper time. His time. Not mine.
God, be glorified!
I will not be dismayed.
Because YOU. are. with. me.
May I call on You in truth, and awaken to discover how near You are.