Posts Tagged ‘trust in God’

A Good Question to Ask When We Feel Afraid

Friday, March 16th, 2012

Relevant questions reveal a lot about what people think and the reason for their behavior. Lawyers use them. So do life coaches. And parents.

David used them, too. The Psalms record numerous songs and prayers he wrote throughout his lifetime, and many contain questions. On one occasion, as he ran from enemies determined to capture or kill him, he asked, “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Psa. 56:4,11).

That’s a very good question, simple and direct. It helps us focus our spiritual eyes where they belong—on the almighty, all-wise, all-powerful God who presences Himself with His people at all times. When we truly acknowledge who He is and chose to trust His character, fear loses its grip on us. Here are some examples of how this has worked in my life:

When my husband suffered a major reaction to a wasp sting last fall, I asked myself this question and found comfort. I knew that the incident was no surprise to God, and that He would care for me if anything happened to my hubby.

When I wonder whether or not our overseas ministry will have enough volunteers to fill the necessary slots this summer, I ask myself this question and find confidence. God is a master at working out the details.

As technology forces change in publishing and marketing techniques, I ask myself this question and discover peace. I’ll do what I can knowing that God says nothing can thwart His purposes, and He controls my destiny.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

If you’re facing a difficulty right now, then pause and reflect on who God is. Read the Psalms and discover who He claims to be. Praise Him for these characteristics. Thank Him for the promises He’s given you. When you’ve finished doing these things, ask yourself this question: “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” I guarantee you’ll find a new perspective.

Photo courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Ultimate Trust

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010

Back in the early 80s, I volunteered at a summer camp on Canada’s west coast. The program director was big on developing team camaraderie among staff. She’d selected several activities to accomplish her goal.

One activity involved staff lining up and facing each other while holding a huge blanket between them. Volunteers climbed a ladder at the end of the lineup, closed their eyes, and dropped backwards onto the blanket one by one. Most of them felt nervous about taking the fall because doing so required them to trust their friends’ strength and ability to hold the blanket. Thankfully their friends proved reliable.

That activity illustrates a basic but all-important spiritual truth. 1 Peter 4:19 says, “Trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you.” Easier said than done, right? Especially when life takes a detour onto the road marked suffering. Or He asks us to wait. Or He asks us to forgive the person who’s deeply hurt us. Nevertheless, the unconditional command is given: “Trust your lives to the God who created you.”

Frankly, I find trusting my life to God scary sometimes. In a warped way, I believe I can orchestrate the details more successfully than He can. How skewed is that? Think about it—God created me. Who’s more trustworthy to accomplish His eternal purposes than the One who knit me together in my mother’s womb and ordained every moment of my life before I was even conceived?

Time and time again, He reminds me to yield control and trust Him. To close my eyes, let go, and fall into His arms believing He’ll catch me. And then He gives me a promise: “I will never fail you.” That doesn’t mean life will turn out the way I dream or plan. But it does mean that no matter what happens, His presence will always be with me and His purposes will always be accomplished.

What visual helps you understand the concept of ultimate trust in God?

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