WHEN THINGS FEEL UNSTEADY and UNCERTAIN

 

OCTOBER 11, 2023

 

HEBREWS 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)


The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. (The Message)

 

We all have moments in our lives when we feel like nothing is going right. Times, when it seems like the world, is conspiring against us, and no matter what we do there just doesn’t seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel. It is during these times that we learn that life is unpredictable, if we didn’t already know it. There are ups and downs along the way, aren’t there?

I mean life can be going along smoothly. Your job is satisfying. Your friends and family are enjoyable. Your goals, finances, health, and outlook seem bright. Then, suddenly, someone you know gets sick. A sudden death of a loved one or dear friend occurs. You lose your job. A friend or family member betrays you. The outcome of such events is that the things you felt secure in, quickly feel shaky and uncertain.

We are always told to have faith and to trust God. Admittedly, that is easier said than done in those life shaking moments. What I have found is that I sometimes think things will be easier if I take them into our my own hands, instead of trusting and waiting on God. Can you relate? Now, we want to trust God. Certainly, when times are good, it can feel easier. In my experience when times feel difficult, it is even more important to lean in and trust God. Trusting in God’s unchanging character can give us a firm foundation when things feel unsteady and uncertain.

Let me just share, and remind us of a few benefits of Trusting God. 

 

 

1.       Guidance and Direction: Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Trusting God wholeheartedly means relying on Him for guidance and direction in life. He promises to lead and guide those who put their trust in Him.

2.      Peace and Rest: Isaiah 26:3 declares, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You.” Trusting God with your whole heart brings a deep sense of peace and rest, knowing that He is in control and will take care of you.

3.      Provision and Blessings: Psalm 37:3-5 encourages, “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this.” Trusting God wholeheartedly involves acknowledging His provision and blessings. He promises to provide for those who trust in Him and seek His kingdom first.

4.      Strength and Renewal: Isaiah 40:31 states, “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Trusting God with your whole heart grants you strength and renewal in times of difficulty and weariness.

5.      Emotional Stability: Trusting in the Lord with all your heart can bring emotional stability. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises against leaning on our own understanding, implying that relying on God’s wisdom and guidance can help us navigate the ups and downs of life.

6.      Protection and Deliverance: Trusting in the Lord ensures His protection and deliverance. Psalm 91:2 says, “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” When we trust in Him, He keeps us safe and delivers us from harm.

7.      Intimate Relationship with God: Trusting in the Lord with all your heart fosters a deep and intimate relationship with Him. Proverbs 3:6 encourages us to acknowledge Him in all our ways, indicating a continuous reliance on Him and a growing closeness.

Those are wonderful promises don't you think?