Teaching Me To Trust
by Barbara Philbrook

Dear Father in Heaven who has given me  so very much,
I want to say thank you for building character in me and teaching me to trust.

You tell us in your Holy Word that when we suffer trials in this life,
that there are changes taking place as you build character through that strife.

Now I know from reading in your word that nothing will happen that I can't take,
and that you will give me enough faith so no mistakes I'll make.

I know also that you understand totally every ache and every pain that I feel,
I have no doubt that anything I've read about you is real.

I believe from the very bottom of my heart
that you've been here with me from the very start.

So if "I know that I know" all that you tell me is true,
why during trials do I feel so empty and so blue?

Why when I'm being tested and tried,
why do I feel so empty and so alone way deep inside?

I am so absolutely certain that you are there by my side,
and that you will give me whatever it requires to get me through this frightening ride.

So why then am I so filled with pain,
why aren't I totally relaxed instead of trying to stop the race going on inside of my brain?

I know without a doubt that if I knew what you know,
that I'd pick the very same way to go.

So why then when I'm told of a problem with anyone whom I love,
why aren't I filled with joy and happily singing praises to you up above?

Oh I sing praises to you as your word says that I should,
but my heart still gets heavy when those I love are going through anything I don't consider good.

Does this heaviness mean that I am not totally surrendered to you,
or is it  just another trick of Satan's to make me think that I've not measured true?

Lord I now can see that this is one of those times when I must rely on the Faith that you've given to me, not on feelings or even what appears to be.

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