Faith and trust

Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that
He will not stand by us.

-- Oswald Chambers

I got this quote in email yesterday and I've been thinking about it. I've known for some time that my problem is trust...in lots of areas. I've had the kind of faith that never dreamed that God would not deliver. But I've also had the disappointing discovery that that's not a promise like I want it to be...God will always deliver exactly what I want. So for a while I've struggled to understand the "stand by" part of this quote. I was bothered yesterday by the idea that my faith is weak because I do wonder whether God is standing by. Today, I'm reminded that God has promised never to leave me or forsake me. I know that. I don't doubt that for a minute. I do have my doubts that He's going to do what I think is best. And He never promised that. Thank goodness.

So what does silence mean?

I think it means I'm not listening. I'm not paying attention. And I'm certainly not inspired to blog about not listening, not paying attention. I can usually count on that to happen sometime around this holiday. I really don't understand it...Christmas music in the stores, on the radio, on the television...and I'm too wrapped up in the busy-ness to really listen. I'm going to do better. I say that so often, right?

Anyway, as I was posting via YouTube videos on the other blog, I ran across this song by Matthew West and Mandisa (yes, that Mandisa). It's kind of a hokey video but I do like the song..."Christmas Makes Me Cry." It's not as uplifting as dogs barking out "Jingle Bells" but it is a great reminder of why Christmas can be bittersweet to most of us.