For those who have heard my testimony, you’ve heard the story before, but as I searched for a scripture this morning, Psalm 94:18 resonated with me again. I hope the illustration encourages you today.

Psalm 94:8 has become my go-to scripture when I’m tempted, overwhelmed or confused. At the moment when I feel myself falling into old patterns, I have a choice, I can reach for what has always brought instant relief or I can reach out and grab God’s outstretched hand.

I’ve previously shared a story that illustrates this verse perfectly. A few years ago, I lost my balance while cleaning my kitchen. As I realized, “I’m falling,” I instinctively grabbed the oven door to stop the fall. Unfortunately, that was a bad choice because the door opened and I soon found myself wedged between the oven door and the dishwasher door. The oven door didn’t stop the fall. In the same way, old, instinctive behavior won’t provide the long term relief I need in times of crisis.

Thankfully, I wasn’t hurt, but I realized the parallel to Psalm 94:18. When I feel myself falling into old patterns to rescue me from temptation, fear, doubt, or anything that separates me from God, the better choice is to reach for God’s outstretched hand and not the oven door.

FaithInTheFog #steadfast #hope