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We don’t hear very much about it these days. However, as we mature, we learn we have to have commitment in order to be successful in life. Long term projects require concentration and commitment. My husband and I had friends who were married 65, almost 66, years before the man passed away. Our local newspaper recently had a story of a couple, each 100 years old, who had been married for 76 years.

We see commitment in Christians who live in nations where their beliefs cause then to be targets of persecution. We see this demonstrated in the lives of those called by God to spread the Gospel.

I had a great-aunt who taught school for 36 years. One of the women I graduated from high school with is still teaching while in her late sixties. My Sunday school teacher owned his own business for 30 years until God showed him it was time to come away from there.

I wonder why we don’t see many examples of commitment in our 21Century. Could it be that somewhere along the line we have neglected to look at the seriousness of life’s areas- marriage, life’s work, family, health issues, homeownership, and relationships. All these areas take work. We have people in our nation who have never learned this and make their way by taking from others. Sometimes we don’t think things through, we want what we want and don’t realize that living our lives for God is serious business.

Commitment to God is the foundation of our spiritual practice. As we learn to spend time with our heavenly Father, we develop a desire to please Him.

Confidence in the Lord

“I am still confident of this;

I will see the goodness of the Lord

In the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord;

Be strong and take heart

And wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)

In the space of nine days, I heard of heartbreak in three different families. Two of these families face serious possible life-threatening illness of one of their members. Another friend shared with me about the impending breakup of a unit inside her inside her extended family.

I find each circumstance causing heart-wrenching sadness for those close to those hurting. Even then, in two of these tragic circumstances, I see people striving to help the ones afflicted get through. In the other picture I know a mother/grandmother prays for her adult child and the grandchildren.

David penned the words of the focus verses as he sought and received God’s guidance for his fears. Throughout this psalm, he speaks of God’s faithfulness to him in spite of what is going on around him. At one point, he begs God not to turn away from him in anger (v. 9).

In our 21Century world, we will have times where we hear of heartbreak coming to believers. Those who live in my state mourn the senseless taking of a young man’s life by terrorists in the Middle East. His parents begged his captors for his release, only to receive word of their son’s violent demise. And, yet, they speak of, at some time, forgiving the perpetrators, with the LORD’S help. As I heard this, I concluded these parents exemplify having confidence in the LORD.

Dear Lord God;

Please let me have the confidence in You that David speaks of. Please give those facing harsh circumstances of life this same confidence. Guide us, Lord, as we journey through our days and protect us in these heart-wrenching times. I ask this out of your grace and mercy. In the Name of Jesus, AMEN

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

Choking can be Hazardous to Your Eternal Health