“Blessed be the LORD who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant.” (1 Kings 8:56, ESV)
Each week, golf fans tune in to watch their favorite golfers tee it up in hopes of their player winning. We are well versed that in a sport like golf, losing is far more common than winning, yet it can still feel like a letdown when our favorite player or team loses. As a friend of mine recently said, “Nobody’s perfect, Aim.”
As a coach, I am constantly challenged as I desire to maintain high standards, but not let my expectations of how I think we should perform be the determining factor in my happiness. As I keep in mind that simple phrase, “nobody’s perfect,” it allows me and others to be freer and grow from mistakes instead of getting fixated on not doing or being enough.
In this broken world, our hearts can wholly trust only in the Lord to deliver on his promises.Most of us are naturally prone to be easily frustrated when things don’t work out how we want. Whether with ourselves or with others, we establish unrealistic expectations and we’re quickly irritated when they aren’t met. Why? Because something deep inside us longs for satisfaction and fulfillment. Our error is that we search for fulfillment in relationships, work, or hobbies. But only the Lord can faithfully withstand the weight of our soul’s many longings.
Our verse today in 1 Kings 8 reminds us that God has never failed at keeping his promises and never will. Paul may have questioned this when he was plagued by the thorn in his flesh. But we read in 2 Corinthians 12 that the sustaining grace of Christ came to him in his weakness. We may not have the strength to face what will happen in an hour, but God’s sustaining grace is sufficient for us moment by moment. Our hearts will be let down this side of heaven, but the promises of God will not fail us.
The temptation to doubt or subscribe to self-prescribed remedies can be appealing and far easier than bringing them before the Lord, but they will not provide the lasting peace, comfort and answers we need. In this broken world, our hearts can wholly trust only in the Lord to deliver on his promises. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV), Jesus said.
Whether your playing partner fails you in your next match or a life hero tumbles before your eyes, I encourage you to remember there is only one who will never disappoint. His name is Jesus. No matter how things look in the moment, in the end, all the promises of God will come true. He is always worth knowing and always worth trusting.
—
Aimee Neff
February 20, 2020
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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