The best part of waking up . . .

The best part of waking up . . .


In whom do I trust?

“How can I trust you, all you do is lie?” “I don’t know who to count on. Even my own family has turned against me.” “Mommy, should I trust Grandpa? Will he hurt me again?” “I can’t help feeling skeptical. Everywhere I turn someone is only thinking of himself.” “Give me your vote. The other candidates are not trustworthy.” “I want to trust you. But how will I know you will not hurt me again?” “Listen to me. How many times do I have to ask you to trust me?” “I know I’ve failed you before, but you can depend on me this time.”

He shall rely upon his family, but it shall not last (Job 8:15).

On the dollar bill it reads, “In God We Trust.” It is interesting to note that men of the United States, the very ones who deemed themselves founders of a great nation, once thought that such a proclamation was so important that they printed it on currency that would eventually monopolize our trade and commerce, rule and have power over the elite and rich to the poorest and pitiful, govern the world, local economy, schools and workplaces, dominate past, present and future ranks of working generations, and have power and control over our inept and cruel social scales and status. Of course in a different era, this same governing assembly along with a cast of millions of citizens, have worked to remove God from our workplace and schools, thereby relying on man’s judgment for what is just and right to suit our greed, power and control.

This infamous printing of “In God We Trust” on our currency passes mindlessly through our hands every day as does perhaps our “Spiritual Trust In God.” However, today it might well serve as an incredible reminder that “Trust in God” is something that will touch us deeply and will profoundly bid us to change our lives. With each dollar spent and each conscious moral decision made we might be reminded that our dependence for our everyday living should not lean toward each other but rather rest in our “Trust in God.” As a mass of people, a family large or small, a couple or individual, we must ask ourselves in the name of deep meditative spirituality, “When and how do we live with ‘Trust in God?’”

Even in times of our greatest trials, do we really trust in our Creator? Do we only trust when the good ending has been revealed or do we lose hope when the hard to believe result has jolted us? When the surgery is finally over and the doctor comes to announce that all has gone well or amiss, is this when we breathe a sigh of relief or scream in defeat with painstaking grief? Do we believe that God has it out for us or that He has a greater plan when we must adapt to change, are forced to move, lose our home, our job or a loved one? Do we gripe, swear and disown our Lord or do we have faith that money or help will be there when our cupboards are bare and hunger pangs are great? Do we believe that the hiccups in our lives are just the devil at work or will we view life’s setbacks as our wake up call to see the greater powers of God? Do we speak and live without faith or do we hold steadfast with our belief in Jesus’ resurrection and God’s promise for eternity?

If you don’t know your God and trust in Him, you’d better decide “LiKe NoW” to join this holy crusade or risk scalding! God promised Israel He would not let the flames of life consume them! Would He not do the same for us who claim to believe in Him? Do you wholeheartedly and unequivocally believe and trust that God is your rock and salvation?

Okay . . . We are waiting for you . . . We want to wait . . . No, we don’t have better things to do. Have you decided yet? What? Uhhhhh, can’t hear you so well. No, no, no. Don’t cast those eyes down and certainly don’t look away. You have pretty eye lashes, however, your focus needs to be here . . . Look up – it’s only text – My God help this person - this is not a face to face confession with one’s neighbor (isn’t that what got up in trouble in the first place? Just say’n . . .). The question is “Do you trust in God?” I know it hard. I get it. This might be the first time you are facing and really seeing God. If you say, “I trust in Him” this means you have to change. Yeah, well, there are worse things in life. You can remain as you are and stay stuck, blind and your own mindset or that of others shall devour you.

Maybe we need an image to get good concentration going. I’ve got an idea. Look at a picture of Jesus. It’s the closest visual you’ll get of God without dying. Go ahead, get a picture of Him. We’ll give you time . . . You don’t have a picture, o-k-a-y . . . get a crucifix, bible, figurine, a rosary? You must have something. Oh, you are not at home. Well okay, close your eyes and picture Jesus. When you can see Him --- and can no longer deny Him --- offer your complete trust --- then . . . open your new eyes.

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh dear Lord doesn’t this make you happy! Look at all the believers! There is hope, t-h-e-r-e is h-o-p-e!! There is . . .! Oh, sorry, I got carried away. Where were we? Oh yes. Now that you’ve given birth to trust far beyond yourself, hold on for the ride of your life! God has great plans for you!

I can hear you. It’s coming out! “Wake up world! Uhm, uhm, uhm. Don’t tell me it gloomy outside. Oh, no. It’s a beautiful day that the Lord has made. And I smell the aroma of heaven in my coffee cup! Ohhh, that first steaming gulp fills me with a renewed freshly brewed attitude. Yessssss! I feel the caffeine-like effect of God’s love infiltrating my sleepy veins. Sluuuuurp. Hmmmmmmm! I can see my life is already transforming! The rich aroma from my cup has wonderful hints of hope, peace and love. I relish this savory moment and heavenly taste, and I realize that I have never had a more wonderful blend of ‘faith infused java’”.
“I must have been crazy, how could I not know You Lord. How could I give You up when You make me feel so good? I am addicted to You through my active faith and reverent prayer. My heart is overwhelmed and pulsates wildly when I seek you first and see your merciful and generous hand in my life. I am drawn to Your unselfish love and comforted by Your healing power and grace. You have a wonderful effect on my attitude and my life.”

Recall this fabulous moment of eye opening self revelation when life’s struggles and harmful attitudes disturb your peace. Close your eyes and breathe deep until you can recall and enjoy that satisfying fragrance, gratifying emotions, and fulfilling feelings you’ve come to know through your “Trust in God.” Don’t stop there! Research your “holy coffee beans” folks. Pick up your bible and read it, go to church, volunteer to help someone or a group in need, and give God your troubles. See what God does for you and then do your part. Find out what moves you, stirs your soul, feeds your spirit and awakens your heart. Cup your trusting hands around God’s Fatherly promise of care and love.

When we trust in the Holy One present among us, we joyfully and expectantly prepare ourselves for higher heights. And much satisfaction can be experienced in each mindful sip from the cup of life. For with this supreme blend, each serving can be as savory as, or even more fulfilling than the last.

Nothing can bring you down! Yes, I hear you now, go with it! “Traffic #@&* on the road? Huh! It just gives me more quiet time to myself for prayer for others, praise to God, singing with a joyful heart and good thoughts for all mankind.” “An angered co-worker? Agh! I won’t get sucked in. I refuse! I’ll turn a frown into a smile, have less wrinkles on my forehead, and hallelujah have lower blood pressure!” “A screaming baby? Whatever! I am blessed to have a child with lungs and who can communicate “nonsense or a need. What do you need honey? Mommy (or “Daddy” as the case may be) is going to make it all better. Excuse me sir, can you add some chamomile to my tea or a shot of vodka would do (is it 12 o’clock yet?). By any chance do you carry earplugs?”

The more we call on God the more He is present in our lives. The best part of waking up is “trusting the Lord” to fill your cup.

Inspired by: Hosea 11:1-4; 8-9

When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I call my son. The more I call them, the farther they went from me, sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols.
Yet it was I who taught Ephriam to walk, who took them in my arms; I drew them with human cords, with bands of love, I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer.

How could I give you up, O Ephraim, or deliver you up, O Israel? How could I treat you as Admah, or make you like Zeboiim? My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred. I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again;

For I am God and not man,The Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you.