Trust. It’s something God calls us to do, but the act of trusting is much easier said than done. It involves unplugging from one’s own self-sufficiency and plugging into the source of all-sufficiency. It requires letting go of worry, doubt and fear and clinging instead to our Heavenly Father who brings peace, assurance, and joy.

It’s interesting that many don’t exercise trust in God until something major happens. Perhaps their future is suddenly unsure, or God seems silent, or plans change and are quickly disrupted. Yet, we’re called to trust in our Creator 24/7. We’re not to look at the circumstances…we’re to look at Jesus!

Trust calls for flexibility. It’s learning how to go with the flow and stay consistent in Christ-like character so we grow stronger in our walk, not weaker. It allows us to practice what we preach during both the good and the bad seasons in our lives so we can be a positive witness and blessing to others.

Every day we should be trusting God in the little and big things. Trusting draws us closer to Him. It molds us into something better. It grows our character, stretches our faith, and deepens our relationship with God. We often grow the most when we’re in the valley and unable to see what’s around the corner. We become vulnerable and, at times broken, which makes us more dependent in trusting the unknown to the One who knows all. Whether we’re experiencing all that’s good in our lives or going through rough patches, we’re to trust and praise.

If anyone knows about trusting, it’s Paul. Paul wrote something amazing which should inspire each of us when it comes to trusting and following: He said, “ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

God wants us to praise as Paul did regardless of our circumstances. He wants the hard times, the uncertain times in our lives, to increase our trust and faith as we draw closer to Him. If we can’t trust God, the One who created us and the entire world around us, who can we trust? There’s no one in this earth worthy of our trust but Him.

He is good ALL the time. ALL the time, He is good! He promises to provide and deliver in His way and His time. He cares about everything that concerns us, but He wants us not to be concerned about anything. And while we’re in the valley, He promises to meet us there, provide for our needs, mature us (if we’ll let Him) and direct us toward the next step He has planned for our lives.

It’s hard sometimes not to worry when your today is a question mark. But Jesus himself said:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:25-30)

He goes on to say, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

We were never promised a life of ease without complication and struggle. Perhaps it’s because God knows many would not grow, many would not appreciate, and many would not cling to God if their lives were uncomplicated and easy. Jesus Himself said in John 16:33 , “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Praise God that He is bigger than our circumstances. What a precious promise!

Following Jesus involves really following him and resting in the knowledge that He promises to take exceptional care of us and see us through whatever comes our way.

If you’re struggling today, be encouraged by these Scriptures:

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10)

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.” (Psalm 37:23-26)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

If your faith feels shaky, and worry is something you’re experiencing, give yourself a gift today and read Hebrews 11. It paints a beautiful picture of our faithful God in action. Just reading this chapter helps fill my “trust tank” and brings joy when I’m in the valley. It brings peace to my heart as it reminds me of the powerful God I serve. He is capable to take care of me, save me, help me and provide for me.

As children of God, trusting is what we’re called to do. It’s not a feeling, as feelings are fickle and can often lead us astray. It’s a trust that says, “ God’s got my back. He promised he’ll never leave me or forsake me…he’ll always take care of me. I can be at peace because He loves me.” Each time we exercise trust we build our spiritual muscle, which builds our confidence and gives us peace in the midst of our circumstances.

It’s not always easy to put into practice, but it’s about clinging to faith and showing fear the door.

Are you going through a valley right now? Are you unsure of what’s around the corner and worried about your present circumstances? Are you focused on the problem or focused on the One who can solve the problem?

Let this time of testing strengthen you and draw you closer to your heavenly Father. You can trust Him with your life. He knows you by name and cares immeasurably for you.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

hspate@verizon.net

 

 

 

Something sad has happened to our society. Each day it seems more and more Christians are letting the light go dim. They are exchanging things of value and worth for things which are fleeting. So many are obsessed with themselves and their own happiness, creating a little bubble for themselves that reaches no further than themselves. They have exchanged selflessness for selfishness and don’t seem to be phased by their choice.

So many lust after the things the world dangles before them—the desire for wealth, materialism and recognition. Many are chasing after their moment in the sun, just trying to catch a little taste of fame. After all, isn’t that what makes one successful this side of heaven?

Fame and the idea of fame has become a sick obsession in our culture. So many are guided by it, interested in it, and elevate it. Sadly, it’s no different in Christian circles. There’s even a radio spot I recently heard on a local Christian station that said, “ Do you want to be a star for God?” A star?… for God?….WHAT?!!!

Some Christians have created blogs for the purpose of simply glorifying themselves, hoping to have their “five minutes” in the spotlight. Some document their entire lives for all to see through endless “selfies” (really dislike that word), to pump up their own self importance and gain a little semblance of celebrity. They take to social outlets to chronicle their lives in the best light possible, going to great lengths to make everything look perfect while hiding their failures and setbacks, never allowing anyone to see what’s really “behind the curtain.”

Many can’t allow themselves to be real and vulnerable with others because that would hurt their “brand” and their feeling of superiority. Their self-absorption and smoke and mirrors existence has real consequences in the lives of those who pay attention to them, often leading others to feel inferior by comparison, stirring up feelings of jealousy.

Proverbs 16:5 is one of many Scriptures which addresses God’s view on a prideful nature. It states, “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”

This dimming in our culture is occurring because many believers have not separated themselves as God commanded and have exchanged things of value for worthless things- things that won’t last into eternity. They have run with open arms after the world, focusing their time and attention on anything but Jesus. They are churchgoers on Sunday and participators on the world’s playground Monday through Saturday.

Scripture warns against this, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4).

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy,
and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal”
(Matthew 6:19-20).

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or
he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth”
(Matthew 6:24)

“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world” (John 15:19).

It doesn’t get much clearer than that, does it?

Why would any Christian, knowing what Jesus did on the cross and the gratitude owed Him, ever think what the world has to offer is worth chasing after? It will ALL fade away and count for nothing. It ALL means nothing. Only what we do for Christ will last and go with us into eternity. We’re not to chase after worldly idols EVER, we’re to chase only after the great “I Am.”

There are many Christians who don’t run after the world’s shiny trinkets and who are doing their best to walk the straight and narrow, heeding the Scriptures regarding how they live their lives. But even one Christian dimming his or her light is one too many! The world needs the light of every Christian to shine bright. The light of Jesus expels the darkness, leads the way, and highlights the truth. And when we shine, we’re to let the light of God’s love shine through and take center stage. It’s never to be about us, but always about Him!
The Bible makes it crystal clear how we’re to live our lives in this imperfect world and what defines us as believers:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law”
(Galatians 5:22-23).

It’s time to stop chasing after the world and start chasing after the Savior of the world. It’s time to run toward things of value that matter to our heavenly Father, instead of trivial things that will never matter. It’s time to turn up the lights individually and collectively as believers and let Jesus shine through and take center stage.

The world needs no help dimming its own light, but we’re not to be a part of the darkness. We’re called to be set apart and to shine bright!

hspate@verizon.net