Fearless Faith and Awestruck Joy (Part 2) The Wonder of it All
What is faith? If we look at the Webster Dictionary it is defined as “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” Complete trust. What about when circumstances appear to be going the wrong way? The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11 as: “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen….3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” So faith in God is complete trust in God—who He is and believing that His promises are true; no matter what the circumstances appear. Faith is the “substance”—the real tangible presence of our hope. It is that complete trust in knowing who “God is and believing that He rewards all who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
We gaze into the skies at the universe that surrounds us with awe or stand on the edge of the ocean listening to the waves or watch the colors of a sunset with a sense of awe and wonder at so much beauty. The intricacies of how everything fits together; our spirits rise as we recognize that Glory is displayed in all that surrounds us. We hunger for that beauty to fill our hearts.
We are filled with awe and wonder of sunlight streaming forth from behind the darkest clouds. We are filled with awe at the joy of love within our own hearts. Joy which makes us want to dance and sing. We feel the depth of love rise within our hearts. At the same time, we feel the pains of heartbreak stripping our core being when we lose a loved one here on earth or when they walk away leaving us alone again. Our hearts ache with agony when we watch a child or parent suffering with no ability to “fix” things ourselves. Our ability to feel that depth of pain is also our ability to feel such elation when even the tiniest spark of hope is restored. Anyone who has ever loved, recognizes that to be true. Yet, when it comes to love; we choose to love even when we know that to love makes us vulnerable to pain and heartbreak. To not love leaves us barren, empty, and almost dead inside. We were created to experience and to be filled with that wondrous joy of love and to be awestruck by beauty. We were meant to be filled with wonder as we look at all the intricate design of this Universe. God created us so that He might lavish upon us His Joy, His Love, and His Glory. Yet, I cannot fully experience the height, the depth and the breadth of His love without hope that comes out of faith. Which takes us full circle—Faith is the substance—the proof that “I know all things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28). Faith is trusting completely who God is in the midst of those dark moments and knowing that He is going to fill me with wonder and awe. Knowing Him, I can experience the awestruck joy each time I see that ray of sunshine peeking through the darkest clouds. That is His voice cheering me on toward the finish line, “Don’t fear, I am with you, I love you and I have for you all that your heart could ever desire of wonder, joy, hope and love. Just one step farther, one more step—my child. I, who created the universe, made you and love you with my steadfast love. I will cradle you in my arms and sing sweet joy filled lullabies over you. Hope in me and my plan for you.” It is that voice which draws me ever forward with hope and faith. He is ever displaying just enough of His Glory to allow my heart to seek Him more. He shows Himself in miracles that happen when all looks hopeless—so that I can see His mighty powerful hand at work. It is almost like a magical mystery of Glory, Love, and Joy all blended together when I recognize His intervening hand of Love. He knows exactly what it takes to guide me forward to a place of Fearless faith and Awestruck Joy.
Listen to this beautiful song Mercy
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects and to discuss pricing.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.