Trust
Sometimes trust comes easily. Other times it is difficult.
As a noun it means the assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.
As a verb trust means you put your confidence in, or you rely on the truthfulness of someone or something.
Trust and fear are related. Lack of trust often accompanies fear, and fear can lead to lack of trust.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3
When it comes to what the Bible says about God, do you trust? Or do you allow fear to cultivate a lack of trust.
Sometimes I need to remind myself that the Bible is either true, or it’s not. The scriptures are not pick and choose what we want to believe and what we want to disregard.
God is for you. He is watching over you. God is caring for you. God will help you. That is Bible Truth. My circumstances can’t change that. My lack of trust can’t even change that. But it’s not easy. I understand that better than anyone.
There is no question 2020 was a rough year for many of us. Some lost loved ones, others lost jobs. We end this year with a much different outlook than when we started. While my family has so far stayed healthy, I was temporarily furloughed last spring. The thought at that time was a short term furlough would soon pass and we would all be back to work. Unfortunately that is not the way it worked out and what was temporary turned into a permanent layoff.
What you may not know is that this was not the first time I have lost a job. There have been multiple times in my past, due to circumstances beyond my control, I have found myself without employment. More than once it was a ministry position, which sometimes makes the experience more difficult to deal with. If you are interested you can read about one of the times I was hurt by the church.
While I have worked through those emotions from past events, last spring the bandaid was ripped off and those emotions came flooding back. The biggest and hardest to deal with this time was the fear.
And like I mentioned earlier, fear and trust have a unique relationship. Usually the bigger the fear is, the smaller the trust is. I often catch myself to try and reset when because the fear is growing. And because of the relationship between trust and fear, it is easy to find trust shrinking.
Fortunately, I was finally hired back after more than 5 months. And while that helps with the fear a little, it is still there. Because of my past experiences with loss of employment, and the pandemic still raging on, the fear is still very real. At any time I could find myself experiencing that loss yet again. So as much as I would like to leave that fear behind and allow myself to trust, that is difficult to do.
Fear
Fear is very real, but it should not direct my path. It is a trap and a tool of the enemy to keep me distracted from the truth God has for me.
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
I have to remind myself daily that my circumstances and my feelings don’t change the truth. The truth is Bible is true. Every word. No matter what I think or how I feel.
For we live by faith, not by sight.
As trust grows stronger, faith also grows. As I turn from my feelings and my circumstances, both of which can easily change, I choose to trust. Trust that God is in control. Trust He is aware of what is going on.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“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.”
Trusting that He will take care of me.
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?
Stronger trust and increasing faith brings peace. There is no reason to worry nor be anxious.
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
This collection of verses is for my benefit, and maybe for yours as well. I don’t know what your circumstances are, but I think it is safe to say there are times you experience fear and lack of trust. What do you do when you feel that way? These verses are what help me refocus on what is true.
The more I focus on truth, the easier it is to trust, and the fear retreats.
What are some things that disrupt your trust? What causes your fear? Send me a message or leave a comment.
Are you looking for more great family devotion resources? Check out an Amazon #1 best selling children’s ministry book: Got Fruit: a guide to family devotions based on the fruit of the spirit.
Your child’s relationship with God must extend beyond Sunday morning. Parents have to take a leading role in the discipleship of their kids. Based on the Fruit of the Spirit, Got Fruit? is an effective tool to help parents disciple their children. If you are looking for help with your family devotion time, Got Fruit? is for you! Through this devotional you will be guided through discussions that build on each of the 9 fruits of the spirit. Each of the 9 devotionals include bible passages that highlight the highlighted fruit as well as a few related thoughts. Also included is a series of discussion questions that will help you guide your children in a conversation to bring truth and understanding. This short devotional is a perfect tool to guide you as you disciple your children into a deeper relationship and understanding with God.
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