Believe

I've been reading a daily advent study. I'm not one to get too caught in the traditions of the season, but some of the words that are everywhere right now hold a lot of weight for me. Expectation being one of them.

Part of one of the advent readings included Psalm 27. I could talk for days about this passage, but for today I will only ramble about verse 13. The translation I most often read says, I believe that I shall look upon the Lord in the land of the living. (ESV) Although that sums it up, I learned that verse from the NASB. Better yet, I learned of that verse from a Kent Henry song titled "Faithful God". That song, with its happy melody and powerful message, reminded to press on in one of the most difficult times of my life. The NASB says it like this:

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalms 27:13 &14 (NASB)

I believe things that the world mocks. I believe things about God and His word that other believers mock, and vice versa, to be fair. Even though it's painful at times to continue believing and even though the ridicule only grows the longer I believe,

I would have despaired unless I had believed.

I believe that God created the universe. I believe that Jesus became flesh to set me free from sin. I believe that the Holy Spirit talks to me. I believe that I was purposed for the Kingdom of God right now and forever. I believe that God hears every word I speak. I believe God corrects me because He loves me. I believe Jesus is better. I believe that the spirit of wisdom and revelation is my best resource. I believe that the more I fall in love with Jesus, the less influence the world and the things of this world have on me. I believe that God is good.

I believe, I believe, I believe ... help my unbelief so that I will not despair, but that I will increasingly know You.

(This might be kind of random, but I keep hearing this in my head so I'm going to put it out there: I believe that the Twilight series is garbage and I don't believe in giving it my money or my time.)