Amy's Pen

We just debuted a new worship song for Harbour Shores Church. The song, based on the book of James, is called “I Am Content with Your Choice.” Patrick and I usually write a theme song for each sermon series. We weren’t able to produce one for the previous series in Revelation because we were too swallowed up by life, moving constantly back and forth between survival mode and recovery mode—all while trying to be content with the Lord’s choices! Truly, this last year has been filled with intense situations.

It began with a drastic change in my schedule while supporting my parents. We moved them into assisted living, established them in their new apartment, and emptied their home. The Lord grew us in contentment as He proved His faithfulness.

Then we lost Patrick’s brother William to cancer. This is a loss we will never stop feeling. However, we are thankful for the unexpected time God gave us with him after bringing him through a devastating reaction to immunotherapy. The Lord grew us in contentment as He proved His goodness.

And now my brother is hospitalized due to his immunotherapy treatments. Joel is fighting for his life against a second round of cancer. The Lord is growing us in contentment as He proves His sovereign control. 

This year we have done all we could to maintain our work schedules, keep ourselves financially afloat, meet the daily needs of our teenage daughters, support my parents in their transition, and encourage Patrick’s mother through the darkest days of her life. The Lord has grown us in contentment as He has proven His mercy. And when discontentment has reared its ugly head, those moments have been covered in grace as well.

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)

James asks us to view our trials through the lens of joy, for they produce endurance in us. They are for our good! As we trust Christ in every trying circumstance, our faith and contentment grow. The result is our completion, a lack of nothing! When the next trial presents itself, may I confidently and immediately (and joyfully!) declare to the Lord, “I am content with Your choice.”

I AM CONTENT WITH YOUR CHOICE
For Harbour Shores Church, based on the book of James (Portion Music © 2024)

To You, I come, O Father, I fall on bended knee
Remove my fear and doubting—I have Your Son in me
In calm or chaos lead me, with wisdom clothe me now
Let faith inspire service, put my hand to the plow

You are the God of all truth
You are the Lord of light
You are the Fount of wisdom
The Judge of all that’s right
So through rains of pain or springs of joy
I am content with Your choice

My heart may ask for wrong things, my tongue may boast in pride
Yet I am but a vapor and have so little time
Let me be quick to listen, let me be slow to speak
Your goodness is my portion, my strength when I am weak

You are the God of heaven
You are the Lord of love
You are the Fount of mercy
With good gifts from above
So through rains of pain or springs of joy
I am content with Your choice

You are the God of his’try
You are the Lord of now
You are the Fount of future
To You alone I bow
So through rains of pain or springs of joy
I am content with Your choice

Through ev’ry trial perfect me, embolden me with faith
Whatever lies before me, I’ll offer You my praise
Oh be my heart’s devotion, receive this prayer I voice
What You ordain for me, Lord, I am content with Your choice

My friend and I use the phrase “in a hole” to describe our emotional state during difficult times. We make comments like: “Don’t worry, I’m not in a hole.” “I’m on the edge of a hole.” Or, heaven forbid, “I’m in a hole.” 

I recently returned from a small getaway with Patrick. Our time away couldn’t have been sweeter. The reentry into real life, however, was not as sugary. I stood on the edge of a hole the entire first day back. Difficulties and disappointments seemed to hit from every angle. Joy was non-existent. Tears were waiting in the wings ready to make their grand entrance. 

The enemy knows where to aim his arrows. My heart is so easily swayed into a “woe is me” condition. I prayed through the day making small attempts to step away from the looming hole. I felt unfit for human consumption and yet was desperately needed by all of my humans. I kept the hole in view, longing to leap in and surrender to the consolation of self-pity. 

I wish I could report that by day’s end all was well and that I went to bed floating on a cloud of spiritual freedom and joy. No, I’m writing these words in the darkness of the wee morning hours after very little sleep. My heart is relieved that I do not have to lead worship this morning, for I am weary and out of step with my true reality.

I’ve tromped through all my memory verses. I’ve texted my friend about the infamous hole. And, most importantly, I’ve repented to the Lord for this ungrateful heart posture. So what’s left to do? Well, perhaps it’s time to practice what I preach… 

First, I must speak truth to myself. I’ve spent the last several years encouraging fellow women believers to lean into their union with Christ. The reality of “Christ in us” is why Truth Matters. He is our source of strength, safety, stability, and service. His power is fully available to us. It’s not something we need to search out or somehow conjure up on our own. It’s fully ours!

My oneness with Christ is how I will put one foot in front of the other today, tomorrow, and all the days to follow. This union is also how I will let go of yesterday’s gloom. Joy is mine in Him! Charles Spurgeon said, “There is no joy in this world like union with Christ. The more we can feel it, the happier we are.” This level of contentment is mine to choose, and He will enable me to do so. Today, I choose joy. 

…do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

Second, I must answer my call to gratitude because Gratefulness Matters. The city where we’d just experienced our mini vacation is populated by many joyless people. Some street corners revealed the grievous tragedy of extreme poverty. We also crossed paths with countless individuals who were at a loss not for money but for satisfaction. It was obvious on their faces, in their demeanors, or in their life pursuits.

I don’t have to look far to find the blessings that are mine in Christ Jesus. I have true satisfaction through my identity in Him. I even have a warm bed to cuddle up in! Why choose to dwell in despair and teeter on the edge of a hole? Yes, trials are difficult. But even on the most devastating of days, I can be grateful for my Savior’s presence and power at work in me.

Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes will say, 
“All my springs of joy are in you.” (Psalm 87:7)

I definitely fit into the category of “those who sing.” May my song ever proclaim the truth and joy He supplies. This is what leaning into my union with Jesus looks like. Held tightly to His chest, there is no hole in view.

Patrick and I were given an Airbnb gift card last December. We are excited to get away for three whole nights soon! It’s taken us six months to find space on the calendar to enjoy this gift. Our schedules have felt like a battle. The stress we’ve been under is unbelievable. With summer on the horizon, we are starting to breathe again. 

Scripture doesn’t promise us smooth sailing in this sea called life. It does, however, exhort us to be obedient to God’s commands, and He promises His blessing in return. We’ve definitely experienced the blessing of the Lord’s sustaining hand on us during this season as we have chosen to lean into Him for strength. We could not have weathered such storms on our own. How do people survive outside of a relationship with Jesus? We need Him every hour. 

When the battle feels overwhelming, I ponder this story…

In 2 Chronicles 20, the Israelites are facing a gruesome battle against their enemies and things are looking grim. Jehoshaphat cries out to the Lord in verse 6, saying, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.” 

Later he prays in verse 12, “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Don’t you love this verse? How often have we felt this way? “I do not know what to do, but my eyes are on You.” Looking to Christ in obedient trust during a trial results in His sustaining power. 

Next, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon one of the Levites who then encourages the people not to be afraid, because the Lord is indeed with them.

Continuing in verses 18–21:
Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say,

“Give thanks to the Lord,
          for his steadfast love endures forever.”

 These words are used as a battle cry, a song to the Lord of powerful praise. The people begin their praises before the battle is won! This is faith! And what does God then do? He moves against their enemies.

Verse 22:
And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against [their enemies]…

Victory is theirs, and even a great spoil is gathered!

And finally, we read the following in verses 27–29:
Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the Lord. And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.

Notice that the Israelites returned in the same manner in which they had gone out: with music, worship, and praise. May we too be willing to humbly bow in the worship of our God before the battle, during the battle, and after the battle. We can “give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures!” This is our battle cry.

Patrick and I have promised not to do any work during our treasured time away. The plan is to reflect, rest, and refuel. We will reflect with grateful hearts on what the Lord has brought us through in our past. We will rest in His goodness in our quiet present. And we will refuel as we feed on His promises while we plan our future with confidence, for He will be faithful in every battle that lies ahead. Our call to obedient trust is clear: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

My family goes all out when it comes to birthdays. Patrick and I take turns baking and decorating the girls’ cakes; I handle their even-year birthdays and he handles their odd years. That leaves us both with two cake challenges annually: one daughter’s and one spouse’s. 

Sometimes our cake constructions last for days. This process is not for the faint of heart! Poor Patrick has a busy month for many reasons. Not only is April packed full of events and work deadlines and college visits for Lillie, but her 17th birthday lands just two weeks after mine. That’s two cakes to conquer for my dear husband! And this year happens to be a major milestone birthday for me (GULP). I mean, no pressure, but he needs to make this one count! 

This birthday has inspired much reflection for me. I’ve dreaded it for some time, not because of a vanity issue, but because my brain will not compute the fact that I am this old. How did this happen? I am the age my mother was when Patrick and I got married! It’s easy to question what the Lord is doing at this point in my life. Have we reached the extent of our musical accomplishments or ministry capabilities? How will our parents’ needs impact our future? How about our daughters and their upcoming new life stages? I find myself constantly reflecting on what has been while simultaneously dreaming about what may be. 

I believe there are two options for me as I approach this fresh decade of life: I can grin and bear it while hiding it under a bushel (this is actually not a bad option—I am under no obligation to publicly express my personal realities!). Or I can steal lyrics from The Greatest Showman and boldly sing from the rooftops, “This is Me!” I realize that most people live somewhere between such extremes. Though my life is currently topsy turvy, I am confident in my Savior, so I am going to choose the latter while seeking to glorify Him in the process.

When it became obvious that Gratefulness Matters was going to be ready for release in April, we decided to combine this major birthday with this very special launch. What a perfect way to express my gratitude to the Lord for the many days He has allowed me to walk this earth. I am presenting to my fellow sisters in Christ twelve Gratefulness Reminders that will deepen their understanding of their union with Him. May our lives be transformed for His glory as we answer our call to gratitude!

Today, I am most grateful for two things: this study, which is ripe and ready for your hands, and for my birthday, which represents years of God’s faithfulness to me. I’m going to milk this decade for all it’s worth, owning it all the way for His glory… 

My name is Amy Fata and I am grateful to be 50.

Every year on March 14 I have this overwhelming sense of the fragility of life, and I marvel with gratitude that I am still here. As my daughters were getting ready for school this morning, I showed them old videos of themselves from twelve years ago. “This is how tiny you were when the car crash happened.” What if I had left them then? It’s hard to imagine. 

I filmed the girls the morning after the car accident, Lillie playing with Sabrina through the slats of her crib. She was singing classical music to her and thumping on her diapered bottom as a drum, my little five-year-old who is now looking at colleges that offer a major in violin performance. I remember all that was filling my heart that morning, secretly watching those little girls, listening to the warm house noise they created. I know I hadn’t slept a wink. That was a night of reckoning as I marveled at God’s protective hand over my life.

I recently had a new chiropractor tell me that there is no way I didn’t experience whiplash with a car crash of that magnitude. Then moments later, he looked at my x-rays and couldn’t believe how healthy they appeared. “I wouldn’t have known you were in that kind of crash,” he remarked. Perhaps there has been healing in these last twelve years, or perhaps there was no whiplash. 

I remember feeling like I was in a protective bubble as that semi tore off the front end of my Jeep. Everything was flying around me. Metal was violently twisting, and the vehicle was spinning, but I was fine. I wasn’t even panicked. When the Lord intervenes in ways that we actually witness, we cannot deny His presence and protection. There are thousands of ways He is present and protective every day that we are unaware of, but sometimes He gives us a peek. 

We are getting ready to launch Gratefulness Matters next month. This is Matters Ministry’s second women’s Bible study, following Truth Matters. On this day, March 14, I am extremely grateful that I can look back and reflect on twelve years of life. “Grateful” doesn’t begin to describe it. It’s been twelve full and exciting years as we have raised our girls, transitioned elderly parents, developed ministries, added to our musical careers, and fallen more in love with each other and with our Jesus. 

Gratefulness matters in the life of a believer because the Lord calls us to gratitude. It’s not a suggestion, it’s His command for our lives. He knows that what is best for us is glorifying Him through trust and gratitude. We are to be a grateful people! And some days, that just feels easy. 

William Fata exchanged this tired world for the arms of his Savior last evening at 1:00 AM Switzerland time. I don’t have enough pleasant words to say about this gentle soul, my brother, my friend: kind, compassionate, caring, patient, long-suffering, loyal, charming, funny, talented, optimistic, courageous, and noble are but a few. 

Throughout his battle with cancer, I never heard William offer a complaint. Even as we tromped the streets of Romanian villages in 98-degree weather, he soldiered on through pain and misery, never displaying a sign of discontent. The Lord was merciful to give us those twelve days with our William. We will cherish them always, particularly that one blessed hour of prayer, shared between brothers, when he gave his life to Christ. 

The Lord works in ways we often cannot understand. His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55). They are higher, perfect, and purposed for our good and for His glory. We can ask, Why would God take William home at age 47? Why did He take my brother Cliff home at age 44? We can ask God questions, but we cannot question God. The pot does not demand its own way from the Potter because it cannot; we do not possess that kind of control or authority. We surrender to the Author of Life because we must. If we claim Him as Lord only when His ways agree with our ways, then we have misunderstood both who He is as God and who we are as His people. He isn’t God because He does what we want; He is God because He is God! And He does what is best, even when we cannot understand it. There is abundant comfort, rest, and peace to be found in this simple yet profound truth.

Our lives have changed dramatically with this devastating loss. To say the ground has shifted under our feet is a gross understatement. There are a thousand unknowns for the future. And yet, the truth is we are standing on the Rock that will not be moved. We may feel unstable, but that is merely a feeling. To be in Christ is to stand strong, firmly planted in truth, wisdom, and power. We are pleading with the Holy Spirit to pour all three on our heads in obvious ways. 

If you are tempted to feel unstable today, remind yourself of your “in Christ” condition and position. Regardless of how you feel, you are standing firmly on the Rock. 

I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the LORD.
How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust,
And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done,
And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You.
If I would declare and speak of them,
They would be too numerous to count.
(Psalm 40:1–5)

People usually discuss new beginnings in January. Warning: this post is more about endings. Last April, I boarded a train not knowing where it would take me. I needed to figure out my parents’ future. Eight months later, I landed at my destination. In December, I moved Mom and Dad into assisted living and emptied their home of a lifetime of possessions. 

Everyone who has been through this process understands the enormity of it. It feels like a closed door forcing you to climb through a small window. Hoping to avoid regret, you resign  and resolve—I prayed for no regrets while resigning to what had to be and resolving to forge ahead. After months of trial and error, the Lord affirmed our final decision with the wonderful blessing of a sold house. The buyers purchased it “as is” for our asking price, and we proceeded without the burden of realtor fees. 

I would need to keep reminding myself of this provision in the packing and purging process. Each drawer might contain meaningless trash or valuable family papers dating back to my ancestors, or sometimes both! It was a painstaking process, both physically and emotionally. I couldn’t decide which was worse, the crick in my neck or the ache in my heart. 

My own home is now overrun with evidence of this move’s aftermath. I wonder at what point in this new year I will finally finish going through the boxes of items stacked up in my dining room. Another neck-breaking, heart-wrenching purge awaits me. 

An aftermath is a consequence or result; the word can also refer to the period immediately following a ruinous event. This is the perfect word to describe my current condition. Yes, my parents are settled and the house is cleaned out, but I am still recovering. And I will be for some time. There were many days spent in solitude, sorting and purging and packing and lacking. I was lacking joy. I felt very much alone. My brothers couldn’t travel to help me. My own family was too busy with their December demands. Friends came in and out, but the bulk of my time was spent alone with my trash bags and boxes and a million thoughts of both what was and what is. Admittedly, much of this process could be done by no one other than myself.

My father had remarked several times during this move, “My joy is not in things, but in the Lord!” I confess I had numerous pity parties where joy was no where to be found. Tears, frustration, and loneliness were my constant companions. But the Lord was faithful to remind me of the blessings that have always been mine and continue to be so. I am extraordinarily blessed. 

One early morning, He whispered in my ear all the ways I wasn’t appreciating the blessing of His joy. Through repentance, my joy returned. We hear so much about the “Joy of Christmas” in December. I do not believe an unrepentant heart is capable of true internal joy. 

On one of my last days of packing, I found my mother’s sewing kit. Inside it was one of those red tomato pin cushions that were popular in the 1970’s. Holding it again brought on instant childhood flashbacks of pulling pins in and out of it while trying not to get poked. Poked is another perfect word for this season. Every part of me has been poked, but it’s the poking of conviction that has changed me most, and for the better. And now, at the end of this figurative train ride, I find myself dealing with the same three Rs. “Lord, let me lay down all regrets as I resign to our new normal. Help me resolve to live out this aftermath with the joy that is found in You alone.”

“…And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

One morning, I came downstairs as Patrick was heading out on a walk with our dog. My daily greetings with Tempo are nothing short of a love fest. The next five minutes were spent trying to convince him to leave me and go on his walk. Normally, walks are his absolute favorite activity, but Patrick and I had to laugh at his shift in priorities, for nothing could draw Tempo from his mama. I was obviously most important to him. 

Patrick connected his leash and dragged him out the door. Even after walking blocks away, Tempo was still pulling back to the house. His heart hated being parted from mine. I marvel at his faithfulness and adoration. Of course, Patrick is the most faithful and adoring being in my life, but even he can bear to part with me for a ten-minute walk!

I asked our breeder if Tempo’s unique obsession with me is normal. He mentioned that some dogs are simply wired as “one-person creatures.” Well, I must be Tempo’s one and only! He doesn’t even greet the other family members when they come home. I do wish he’d spread his love out more evenly. But honestly, I am thankful he chose me. This bond is very special, for I had fervently prayed over our next pup after losing Maestro.

When I ponder Tempo’s level of faithfulness, it inspires me. He has eyes only for his master. No matter where I am or what I am doing, he keeps them peeled on me. He positions himself to anticipate my next move. He is a student of my actions and habits, studying my every activity and premeditating his involvement. He not only knows me, he never leaves my side. He trusts I know what’s best for him as he stays at my feet in faithful submission.

This is how I want to look at my Master; I want eyes only for Him. I desire to be a student of His life and ministry, studying how He lived and modeling my actions accordingly. I must strive to keep my sights on Jesus and position my life in a submissive posture at His feet, ready to act as He leads. 

Being a faithful follower of Christ means more than knowing who He is. It’s more than church attendance and mealtime prayers. Following Jesus means never leaving His side! It’s not letting the world leash me and pull me away from Him. It’s having eyes only for Him and trusting He knows what is best for me at all times. Because He is my sovereign Master, I can faithfully submit to Him with great confidence. And it’s comforting to know that my faithfulness is achieved through Him and His Spirit at work in me. “But the fruit of the Spirit is… faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22).

My dog—this gift from God to me—has become my role model. May I be as faithful to my Master as Tempo is to his. 

We are excited to be a part of the ICC Publishing House family, and we are grateful they’ve chosen “Worship Him Alone” to be a part of their choral collection. This SATB arrangement has lyrics based on Psalm 97. The psalmist expresses the Lord’s power and dominion while calling us to respond appropriately with our worship in acknowledgement of His holiness.

Lyrically, “Worship Him Alone” describes nature’s reaction to its Creator, His grand control over every detail within it, and the mystery that never grows pale: this all-powerful One chooses us as His beloved!

Clothed in majesty divine, sovereign on His throne
Reigning over all mankind, worship Him alone
Holy, holy, holy, holy Lord

Islands of the earth be glad for you are His own
All is under His command, worship Him alone
Holy, holy, holy, holy Lord

The mountains melt like wax at His presence
The earth sees His lightning and trembles
The heavens declare His righteousness
And yet He chooses me, chooses me

Though once lost and frail were we, in Him we find home
Sons and daughters of the King, worship Him
Oh worship Him alone
Worship Him alone for He is holy, holy
Worship Him alone

The choir of Harbour Shores Church will sing this selection the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect time to express our gratitude for our Lord’s sovereign rule and His generosity to us as His own. Psalm 97 concludes by calling us to action:

Be joyful in the Lord, you righteous ones,
And praise the mention of His holy name.

Sometimes in the middle of the night, the physical darkness that surrounds me oppresses my emotional wellbeing. With a simple flip of the light switch, my surroundings change. My eyes see again, and my heart is reminded that darkness will never overpower the light. 

David explains my job is to trust in the Lord and to commit my way to Him. He also reminds me that anything associated with darkness is not a threat to me.

Do not get upset because of evildoers,
Do not be envious of wrongdoers.
For they will wither quickly like the grass,
And decay like the green plants.
Trust in the Lord and do good;
Live in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it. (Psalm 37:1–5)

How easy it is to be frustrated when the plans of evil succeed. How quickly I despair when the wicked prosper. Yet, how true it is that their plans and their deeds are but a breath. I comfort knowing that “The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil” (Proverbs 16:4). 

The Lord allows what He allows. Somehow, He is guiding each ill motive toward His own glory, and ultimately, this means evil is no threat to His people. The dark is given its day, but the light has a role to play in the process. Did you notice His many commands to us in these five short verses? “Do not get upset… Do not be envious… Trust in the Lord… Do good… Live in the land and cultivate faithfulness…” (This Hebrew verb cultivate means to feed. The Lord instructs us to “feed on faithfulness.” We are to nourish our souls by filling up on it. This is our duty!) “Delight in the Lord… Commit your way to the Lord… Trust in Him!”

Which one of these commands is optional? Of course, none. A command is meant to be followed. And we willingly and wholeheartedly obey God’s commands because we trust Him. He is our sovereign Creator. He holds perfect plans in His hands. He is good, and He is trustworthy. 

The wicked will do their best. And so will we. Only one side will ultimately triumph. Here is further assurance from Psalm 37 of who that will be:

For evildoers will be eliminated,
But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land (v. 9).

The wicked plots against the righteous,
And gnashes at him with his teeth.
The Lord laughs at him,
For He sees that his day is coming (vv. 12–13)

For the arms of the wicked will be broken,
But the Lord sustains the righteous (v. 17).

For those blessed by Him will inherit the land,
But those cursed by Him will be eliminated (v. 22).

For the Lord loves justice
And does not abandon His godly ones;
They are protected forever,
But the descendants of the wicked will be eliminated (v. 28).

But wrongdoers will altogether be destroyed;
The future of the wicked will be eliminated.
But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and rescues them;
He rescues them from the wicked and saves them,
Because they take refuge in Him (vv. 38–40).

So yes, we may find frustration when the plans of darkness succeed. We may desire to despair when the wicked prosper. But we rest in reassurance “Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many wicked” (v. 16), and as children of light, we totally trust that “The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will be forever” (v. 18).