Lead me on

I think that for the most part, I am a ‘half-glass-full’ kind of person.  Or as I like to call it – a “HOPE-filled” person.

I truly want my life to reflect the Light of HOPE that guides me, comforts me, inspires me.  I want the HOPE found in the promises of God to be the anchor for my soul [my mind, my will, my emotion].

But sometimes   …maybe for a few minutes, or maybe for several days… a feeling that is not hope-filled overcomes me.  David describes it as ‘downcast’-ness.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?  ~Psalm 42:5

I call these days my ‘wobbly’ days, for instead of being steadfast in my faith [firmly fixed, immovable], on these days I am ‘unfixed’, ‘movable’, and in some cases on the verge of ‘completely toppling over altogether’.   Clearly, on ‘wobbly’ days my focus is less on the Promise(s) and more on the present circumstances.

Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me.  ~John 14:1 (Amplified)

One of my daughters recently shared the song “Steady Heart” by Steffany Gretzinger (of Bethel Music) with me.  It has completely captured my thinking, or more specifically – the image inspired by the chorus has captured my imagination, and speaks deeply to my soul and spirit.

Steady heart that keeps on going, Steady love that keeps on holding
Lead me on
Steady grace that keeps forgiving,  Steady faith that keeps believing
Lead me on

~”Steady Heart”, by Steffany Gretzinger (chorus only)

To my hearing, the singer is speaking to Someone, who is intimately referred to as;  1) Steady Heart, 2) Steady Love, 3) Steady Grace, and 4) Steady Faith.    And in those four Names, I am reminded that steadfastness of faith (that continued HOPE-filled pressing-in and pressing-on towards full possession of the Promises of God) is not experienced by of lack of trials, but is the result of maintaining a fixed focus on the One who goes before us, Jesus Christ.  He is the Good Shepherd, and if we will simply focus our attention on listening, and following, and obeying His instructions, He will safely lead us through the storm and back into open spaces of peace and rest.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.  ~Psalm 42:11