Resolutely resolving

There's a song our church back in Kennesaw sang a while back that I've been thinking of recently...

Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine
Season by season I watch Him, amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways
All I’m in need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me

I can’t remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can’t remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I’m in need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me

This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long
God has been faithful, He will be again
His loving compassion, it knows no end
All I’m in need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me

I was reminded of these words again as I read today's post on GirlTalk. Nicole Whitacre quotes Iain Duguid, who writes:

"Don’t we often act toward God like little children? We kick and fuss and scream because we want what God has promised, and we want it now.... But, like a patient and long-suffering parent, God bides his time, neither delaying nor hurrying, until everything is in place. Then—and not a moment sooner—he gives us the good things he has promised."

Looking back over 2007 (not an uncommon thing to do on New Year's Eve) I realize just what a crazy year it's been. This wild year took us away from everything familiar and thrust us quite unexpectedly into unfamiliar territory with a new daughter, new jobs and a new home. And through it all, God has been faithful to our family.

A few Sundays ago, our pastor asked why we ever doubt God. I've thought on his question often since then, and I realize it's because part of me just cannot wrap my mind around the idea that God is in control and that He will always be the faithful Father he's promised to be for His children. Even though He has never let me down. Not once. God has always provided for me and for my family. He has blessed me far beyond what I could hope for. So why do I doubt Him? Why, when trials come, do I bite my nails and ponder the worst-case scenario and wonder how I'll handle this, when I know He's never failed me? God has always been faithful, and He will be again. And again. And again. My new year's resolution is to make this the promise I'll rest on in 2008.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!