How easily we use these words. Calamity strikes, and we say, “Trust God”. We face a problem, and we are told, “Just trust God”.
Recently I was challenged by these words: “What would trusting God look like to you in a difficult real-life situation?” Well, right now I have the difficult real-life situation. Working out what trusting God looks like is a lot more complex.
Here’s my list of working out what trusting God looks like:
- Take the time to remind myself that even if it doesn’t look like it, God has a plan and because He is good. He will work things out for my good. He is sovereign so He can do what all my planning and scheming can never achieve.
- Remind myself of the promises that He has made in the Word, and meditate on these.
- Take God’s character into account. He is a Father; He disciplines in love. He is kind and patient. He is holy. Because Jesus lived on earth He knows what it is like to be tired, hungry and persecuted, and still respond rightly.
- Study the Bible to find out how Bible characters handled problems or challenges that are similar to mine. Woman like Ruth and Naomi, Job and his calamities, as well as Esther give me guidelines of the right and wrong ways to face hardships.
- Ask friends and family to pray with or for me. Even if I keep the details of what I’m facing to myself, God hears the prayers of those who love Him. Having that support means so much, and a hug from a loved one reassures me that someone else knows about the pain in my heart.
- Get counsel from a wise friend who uses God’s Word to help me keep my thinking, attitude and responses right.
- Avoid pity, blame, bitterness and revenge that could result from the hardship or calamity.
- One of the most difficult things for me to do in a trial is not worry. It is so easy to spend hours going through the “What if this happens….” or “I should have….” or asking “When will this be over?” I have to continuously guard from worry. I think about times in the past when I have faced difficulties and God has proved faithful, so I know I can rely on Him this time.
- Learning to take problems moment by moment, hour by hour, and day by day enables me to keep facing forward and take small steps toward the future.
- Rest, healthy eating and exercise are common sense things for me to do in a crisis.
- Spending time alone with God is the greatest source of strength for me.
- And lastly, thanking God and being grateful changes my heart and lifts my eyes to God.
What would trusting God look like for you?
Think this through. My list may be very different to yours. Why not compile your own “Trusting God” list to use now, or when faced with tough times.
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
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