Daily Devotions with Chaplain Kenny for Wednesday, March 20, 2024: Trust in the Unseen

 

The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Trust in the Unseen

Happy are those who make the Lord their trust.
Psalm 40:4

Introduction

"Happy are those who make the Lord their trust," Psalm 40:4 tells us. This powerful verse can guide us through life's unexpected journeys, just as it did in the story of Linda and her dog, Rudy.

Reflection

Rudy's story, a poignant tale of a dog rescued from the brink of euthanasia, unfolds as a beautiful metaphor for the unexpected ways in which we receive messages that can alter our life's path. Linda and Rudy shared a simple, comforting routine for years, a testament to the steadfast companionship animals provide. Yet, when Rudy's behavior shifted—from peaceful coexistence to an insistent licking of Linda's jaw—it signaled something profound that Linda initially couldn't decipher. This narrative echoes the mysterious ways in which guidance can appear in our lives, often overlooked or misunderstood. Rudy’s behavior, seemingly trivial at first, was in fact a nudge towards a revelation that Linda needed to heed. In these subtle, often disregarded moments, lies the potential for transformative insights, akin to the veiled yet profound ways we might receive divine guidance.

The decision to rescue Rudy, who was mere days away from euthanasia, set in motion a series of events that would eventually become life-saving for Linda. For ten years, Rudy's presence as a serene companion by Linda's bed represented a normalcy that was disrupted when he began to behave differently. His persistent licking, initially a nuisance leading Linda to consider obedience training, turned out to be an instinctive response to a hidden danger—a tiny, lethal tumor on Linda's jaw. In this extraordinary turn of events, Linda's trust in Rudy's changed behavior, which could easily have been dismissed or ignored, led to the early detection of her bone cancer. This incident illuminates the profound impact of trust and attentiveness to the unexpected, reminding us that sometimes, the most crucial messages come from the least anticipated sources and scenarios.

Application

In our journey through life, we are often met with our own 'Rudys'—these may not be as clear-cut as a loyal canine companion, but rather manifest in the subtleties of life, like the gentle advice of a friend or a shift in our daily routines. Such moments, though sometimes bewildering, are invitations to extend our trust beyond our immediate understanding. They encourage us to be observant, to reflect deeply, and to seek solace in prayer, as we strive to discern God’s wisdom in our lives. This aligns with the Scriptural teachings that repeatedly emphasize the joy and fulfillment found in trusting God. As the psalmist profoundly states, "Happy are those who make the Lord their trust" (Psalm 40:4), a sentiment echoed in translations like the NIV with "Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord" (v. 4). This happiness mentioned in the Psalms isn't just a fleeting feeling, but rather an overflowing, exuberant joy, stemming from a deep-seated trust in the divine.

Conclusion

Linda's journey with Rudy transcends a mere tale of animal instinct; it stands as a powerful testament to the immense strength found in trust. Her decision to heed Rudy's unusual behavior, though unknowing at the time, was a life-saving act of faith. This mirrors the profound impact of placing our trust in God amidst life's uncertainties and confusions. By choosing to trust in the divine, we open ourselves up to God's guidance and safeguarding. Such trust, while sometimes difficult to foster and potentially leading to unexpected results, is a path to deep and genuine happiness. The joy that emerges from this trust not only enriches our lives but also serves as a reaffirmation of the wisdom and value in our choice to trust in God's plan.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach us to trust in You as Linda trusted Rudy. Help us to see Your hand in all aspects of our lives, especially in the unexpected and the unexplained. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your guidance and the courage to follow it, even when the path is unclear. May we always remember that our trust in You leads to true happiness and fulfillment. Amen.

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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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