Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
I am overwhelmed by the countless number of times throughout my life that this scripture has been boldly and unabashed illustrated for me. Not only has this scripture rung true in my life, but I have witnessed it in the lives of friends, colleagues and family members.
Trusting in the Lord with all your heart, in ALL circumstances is no easy task for most of us. It is easy to say that we believe and live by this scripture during the good times, when all is going according to our desires and plans. This scripture is difficult when we are faced with life-changing challenges such as the loss of a job, a loved one, financial difficulties, relationship issues and major health concerns. It is difficult when we are filled with anxiety, worry, low self-esteem, confusion and/or uncertainty about the future.
Our faith is most challenged during these times, but it serves as a great opportunity to grow in our faith and develop a closer relationship to God. I believe that Gods uses these situations as teaching moments that may take months or years to complete. It is a process that requires prayer, obedience, resilience, perseverance and patience. A tall order I know, but well worth it.
I like to control things in my life, but I have learned that when I trust God and turn over all my concerns to him that he eventually provides me with a clear and straight path for which to follow. Sometimes it is not the path I had in mind, or it takes longer than I wanted, but it has always turned out to be the best for me in the long run. He clears the way and makes things happen!
Trusting God is:
- Acknowledging that all things are possible through Him
- Knowing that He loves us all unconditionally and will never leave us
- Knowing that He has a plan and purpose for each of us
- Knowing that He is in control and the grand decision maker for all things in our lives
- Being humble and giving up our prideful ways to Him
- Serving Him without question, doubt or worry
- Knowing that when we fall He will be there to catch us and lift us up
- Living each day as if it were our last with a joyful and giving heart
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV) 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
I have managed to get several of my favorite bible versus in the blog today. Truly, these have all been significant guiding beliefs in my life and have served many times as a flashlight in the darkness, a lighthouse in the distance and a shining star to give me hope.
Have a blessed week!
I recently lost my job after over 20 years with the same company... more than ever it has been a struggle to believe that this was a good thing to have happen to me and my family. After 3 months I still have nightmares that leave me feeling like a failure and I can't go back to sleep. Last night I had one of these and instead of reliving the past I began to thank the Lord for giving me over 20 years of great employment with wonderful relationships I still have and treasure. I also told the Father that I trust He has me where He wants me and when He is ready to put me in my new niche He will do so... in the meantime I get to do things I always wanted to do because I finally have the time to do them. Money may be tight but there is nothing like the gift of time and I praise Him for that too. I was soon back sound asleep. Thanks to this wonderful blogger for reminding me of my very favorite verse and God's providence and timing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing my dear friend. Your faith is an inspiration to me.
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