Sunday, March 22, 2020

Trust Jesus


Anxiety -- it settles over us, paralyzes us, and makes it difficult to cope with life. Often it stems from problems outside of our control -- things too big for us to fix.  The Bible doesn't tell us to deny that anxiety exists, to run from it, or to ignore it; but rather it tells us to cast all our anxiety on the One who listens to our cries, cares about our fears, and promises to never leave us nor forsake us ---Jesus! ("Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7)
God permits hardships in our lives in order that we might learn to trust Him. Many times we can't change the circumstances in our lives, but we can choose the attitude we react to them with. Will we become angry, resentful, selfish, complaining, full of worry, or will we choose to trust the One who holds the whole world in His hands?  It's in the valley that we learn just how deep our confidence in God really is, and it's there that we have the opportunity for our faith to grow. He never promised us "sunshine and roses" all along the way, but He did promise to be with us and give us grace for the hard times.


I'm reminded of the lyrics of a song called "Without a Valley"
(Listen to Greater Vision sing it here)

I’ve been walking through a valley
It was dark, and it was drear
Yet in the middle of my sorrow
I heard Jesus say, “Child, I’m still here”


But without a valley
How would I ever know
That His strong and gentle hand
Would never let me go
How would I know for sure
That I’m secure and safe wherever I go
Without a valley
How would I know


So I thank you, Lord, for each trial
How You’re teaching me Your perfect love
For You have shown that I can still have joy inside
Even though the road seems long and rough


But without a valley
How would I ever know
That His strong and gentle hand
Would never let me go
How would I know for sure
That I’m secure and safe wherever I go
Without a valley


For this layout I used a beautiful digital stamp set by Beverly Cole (Artsystamper) called Nesting Sparrows. (I love that she includes both colored and uncolored images in her sets!!)  On the back of my tag I included the song from above and  this little poem my daughter learned way back in elementary school:

Said the robin to the sparrow,
"I should really like to know,
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so."
Said the sparrow to the robin,
"Friend I think that it must be,
That they have no Heavenly Father,
Such as cares for you and me." 


Supplies and tools:




This post linked to:
Artsystamper Digitals Challenge - Lots of Layers
If You Give a Crafter a Cookie - Inspiration Photo (bird, feather)
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes

8 comments:

Darlene said...

Thanks so much for your beautiful design and so needed spiritual share! Thanks so much for playing in our challenge at the Artsystamper Challenge Blog!
Darlene
ARTSYSTAMPER CHALLENGE
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Please stop by for a visit.

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

This is lovely! Stay well!

Beverly said...

Oh Esther,
I am so honored that you included my sparrows in your special post. I never imagined this set would be so important at this moment. Thanks for being a light in the craft rooms all over the world.
Hugs,
Bev xx

Lois said...

Beautiful post. So thankful that we can put our trust in the God who cares for the sparrow.

sarascloset said...

Wonderful post; I'm sure it has changed many a perspective. Now is our time to trust in our Lord like no other time! What a stunning image, too!

Conniecrafter said...

The song is so true, I hadn't heard that one before, and I love that poem too, so perfect for these times for sure, love the bird in the nest, Great page!

LilArtsyWoman said...

Congrats on your win at WordArtWednesday. I love this entry.

Deanne Saunders said...

Beautiful!! Thank-you so much for participating in our IF YOU GIVE A CRAFTER A COOKIE... challenge. Hope to see your beautiful creations in our next challenge!! Have a happy crafty day!!! So sorry this is late, but with everything going on, I’m just getting around to doing this. Please stay safe and strong during this time.
Deanne at A Little Bit O’ Paper