Who Do You Trust?
When life is good and things are going smoothly, it’s easy to say you trust God.
But have you ever been in the midst of challenging circumstances that were outside of your control? Before you know it, fear can creep in as a natural emotional reaction to the uncertainty.
Maybe you didn’t realize you were actually trusting in:
• The stock market
• The government
• Your retirement funds
• Your doctor
• Your spouse
• Your pastor
That’s when what you truly believe is put to the test. Do you really trust God?
I love to see trust in action. Have you ever watched a little child who trusts his daddy? He thinks nothing of jumping into his outstretched arms in the pool … even though he doesn’t know how to swim. But he knows his dad will catch him. That’s trust.
Peter trusted Jesus when he stepped out of the boat and actually walked on water. I wish I could have seen that one. I wonder if I would have stayed in the boat or risked walking to Jesus like he did. It was only when Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked around at his circumstances that he began to sink. He cried out and …Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
If I truly trust the Lord, I will believe what His Word says. If I believe Him, I will act upon what He says. It takes a wholehearted commitment to trust Him when the going gets tough. But trust is a choice. And when I choose to trust Him, He provides what I need when I need it.
I’ve discovered several ways that have helped me deal with fear and trust issues.
• Replace any fearful thoughts with Scripture verses. I write out verses like Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” on 3X5 cards. When those fearful thoughts creep in, I take out my cards and recite the verses out loud.
• I love to journal and I’ve found it helpful to go back and read the many examples I’ve recorded of how faithful God has been to me in the past. It helps to remind me that He is trustworthy and I have nothing to fear. He will provide.
• I confess my fears to the Lord in prayer. The Bible says we are not to fear. When I fear I show my lack of faith and trust in His promises. I ask Him to fill me with His strength and wisdom to deal with the situation at present.
• Praise Him in the midst of the challenges.
• Thank Him in advance for His provision.
Whenever I choose to trust the Lord and take Him at His Word … He never fails me. He may not answer in the way I may assume He will but I know that His ways are higher than mine.
How about you? What do you do when faced with uncertainty and turmoil? My list is far from complete so maybe you’d like to offer your suggestions.
May your day be blessed,
Debbie
I hope you’ll visit me at my personal blog Heart Choices.
Debbie,
Thank you so much for this post. God has been showing me that I have great fear in my life. He is teaching me to trust Him in the midst of so many difficulties.
Your post is very encouraging to me.
Sheryl
Debbie, what a wonderful post on TRUST! I have often wondered what I would do in Peters situation…would I stay in the boat or would I walk the water? I want to place my complete trust in God. Thanks for reminding us. – Laurie
Debbie, this is beautiful. My anchor scripture for 2009 will be posted tomorrow, Tues. I chose it because I wanted a verse to stand firm on when times are tough. I also really love the Matt Redman song, Blessed Be Your Name. It speaks of what you’ve written here. Thank you again for this beautiful reminder.
I do what you have mentioned above, but also to read and hear about other people’s stories gives me hope and perseverance.
Great devotional.
That is a great post Debbie. I marvel at so many who are in difficult situations and continue to shine for Jesus. I pray that all of us would be so peaceful.
Thank you for making us all think.
Love!
Beth
So very lovely.
This post truly ministered to me Debbie. I have been in that place where it is either give in to absolute dispair or trust the Lord. I find when I am able to surrender what I think is control and believe that God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised, He gives me that peace that passes understanding. It is an on-going process for me, but I am slowly learning to let go and trust in Him.
Thank you for this.
This was a wonderful article about trusting God in all circumstances. It is great to hear about all the different things that have helped you stay close to the Lord at this time. Although you have gone through some very difficult times, you have learned to think of things that are good and true and lovely. May God bless you as you continue to bless others.
Great post. It is easy to trust God when everything is going well but it is a little harder when the going gets rough. This post is a great reminder. Thank you for the encouragement.
Charlotte
my husband and I own a inground swimming pool business…a luxury item that declines swiftly when the economy isn’t in good shape. This past year God has showed us in so many ways that we can trust Him. Not because we are faithful…but because HE is faithful and if we put our trust in Him, He will always be enough. Oh how many times Jesus has put out His hand and caught me. I am so grateful.
I love the reminder that Peter didn’t sink till he took his eyes off Jesus.
Hi Debbie,
Wonderful post, filled with wisdom. My favorite passage to read when I am feeling fearful… Psalm 91.
Have a wonderful day. Love you.