I Believe!

It shall be when these signs come unto you, do for yourself what the occasion requires, for God is with you. I Samuel 10:7

There are times in this life when time and circumstances present each of us with an opportunity or a need to revisit the beliefs we hold dear. It doesn’t happen often enough for me, but with Memorial Day at hand, a country and churches that are divided, hatred running amok, and kindness being forgotten, I sat down and pondered, What is it that I truly believe? What is it that makes me the person I am? What experiences in life have molded and assured me? I believe in many things, but I’m sharing just a few.

During the years when Jeff Foxworthy was at the zenith of his career with the The Blue Collar Comedy Club, we enjoyed listening to the Here’s Your Sign excerpts. The excerpts made fun of less than intelligent questions people ask. For example, “A man had a mess of bass on his boat as he motored to the dock on a lake. The passerby asked, “You catch those fish?” The man replied, “No, they just jumped in the boat and surrendered.” Here’s Your Sign.

First, I believe that Jesus sends signs and angels in our struggles that give us strength in the heat of the battle. These signs can be as small as a hummingbird who suddenly appears during prayer time to reassure us, or as huge as a neighbor who walks by and stops to give a hug and offer a prayer having no idea why she was called by God to do that.

Secondly, I believe that history provides us with an opportunity to learn. It’s important, and if we look closely we can find others before us who struggled with some of the same issues we face in our country, our churches, our communities and our families. In this country of ours, there are signs all around us that point us to the fact that God is being ignored by a great majority of people. The many men and women who fought for one nation under God and the important parts they played are being rewritten or even forgotten. I believe in truth, justice, and one nation, under God.

Next, I believe that God is with us even when He is quiet. I’m always encouraged when God sends visible evidence in answer to prayers or struggles, but I’ve found that it is even more appreciated and I am the most inclined to trust Him without it. His promise is more real and dependable than any evidence our senses may reveal. Saint Augustine said, Faith is believing what we do not see, and the reward for that kind of faith is to see what we believe.

Finally, love is a major part of what I believe. The love we feel for our spouse, our children, our grandchildren, our extended family, our friends is there even when we sometimes don’t express it enough. Love is the tie that binds us. God’s love for us is unchangeable, and He is just as loving even when we do not see or feel it.

Finally, I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day, He arose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence, He shall come to judge the quick and dead. I believe in the Holy spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the Body and the life everlasting. Amen. The Apostles Creed

I grew up watching The Perry Como show because my Mama was a big fan. So, on Saturday nights, if we were home, it was mandatory. He wrote and sang the song, I Believe. Mama sang it many times, and the words are worth sharing.

I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows; I believe that somewhere in the darkest night, a candle glows. I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come to show the way. I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard; I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word. Every time I hear a new born baby cry or touch a leaf or see the sky, then I know why I believe. Perry Como

Look for signs of God’s love, truth, strength, forgiveness, and answers to prayer. Focus on what you believe!