The Glories of AltarsSample

Entrust

en·trust | ənˈtrəst | verb

—to place someone into God’s care or protection

In day six of these spiritual exercises of asking God to unburden our lives and remove hindrances to His love, let’s consider those around us in need. God has placed us in families, friend groups, and communities who need our support in various ways. When people we care about are hurting, we will certainly encourage and invest in them, but there are some things we just can’t fix or change for people. If we could, we certainly would! They must, to some extent, bear their own pain. Even in parenting, we shepherd a child’s heart, but the Lord alone fellowships within that child’s spirit. Ultimately, only God can change people from the inside out or move in supernatural ways.

This is such a tear-stained altar. It is possible that a day does not go by that I do not find myself at this altar again, entrusting a loved one to God’s care. I have watched Him provide, guide, heal, strengthen, and comfort. His compassions are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness (Lam. 3:22–23).

Let Us Entrust

• Consider the foremost burdens or needs of those in your sphere of influence. (If you are called to intercession, your burden will likely extend to those you have never met.)
• As you are enfolded by Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Counselor, entrust these precious ones into the Father’s arms and step back.
• As an act of your will, also give the pain, fear, and outcome to God. Empty yourself before Him.
• As life unfolds, remain surrendered in trust. This doesn’t mean you separate yourself from the responsibilities of loving others, but it does mean the outcome belongs to God.
• Persistently watch for God’s hints that you and your loved one are in His care and thank Him.
• When new developments encroach on your peace, slip back to your altar to be nourished by His love and repositioned in His hope.