Trust in the Lord

To me, varnishing paintings is scary. I’ve shared stories about it before.

It’s especially scary when working with a big painting. I apply the varnish very carefully from top to bottom and when I finish, typically I look back over the whole thing…and it looks terrible!

The varnish dries fastest wherever I’ve brushed it on the thinnest. Often it looks like I’ve left little puddles of varnish here and there. When I see those puddles I’m always tempted to dab my brush on them, hoping to sop up the excess liquid. But, I’ve learned over and over again that this won’t turn out well because those puddles aren’t as fluid as they appear. They’re actually in the process of drying and if I try to sop them up I’ll create a streak or smudge. No matter how well I know this lesson, I’m still tempted to dab my brush on those puddles when I see them.

How often my faith is linked to sight rather than truth!

Last week I varnished three large paintings, and before I even began applying the varnish, I reminded myself to hold on to what I knew to be true—not to be led astray by appearances. Though I was still tempted to react based on what I saw, I resisted going back over those puddles. Preparing my mind for that mental battle proved helpful!

It’s always tempting to fear when circumstances look scary, and then to scramble and react out of that fear. I do that so often! And usually when I do, I make a big mess of things. But God is kind to teach me over and over again that He’s enough for me in whatever trouble I’m facing. He is trustworthy.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” ~Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)

Blessings to you this Christmas season as you choose to trust in the Lord. He’s enough for you in whatever circumstances you’re facing. And if you’ve scrambled and reacted out of fear, He’s enough for that too.

~Amy