Our Actions Should Reflect our Trust in God
Circumstances can quickly spiral out of control. Each day has enough troubles of its own according to Matthew 6:34. We can’t control what happens to us or our loved ones. We can’t control natural disasters, famines, and wars going on around us. What we can do is place our trust in the Lord.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
It is difficult to let go and trust God with everything. We want to feel in control but the truth is we aren’t. God is the Creator of the Universe and everything within it. He is in control.
When you give God control of your finances, kids, marriage, future, etc., He will bless you greatly. This means giving God your burden of worry and following His guidance daily. Trials will come but God is on our side and has a greater plan than what we can see.
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7
Do not be a negative Nancy! Just because you have negative thoughts does not mean you have to dwell on it or speak it. Instead say something like, “I’m going through a rough time but God has a reason and will work this out for my good”.
It is okay to talk about if you have a bad day, your needs, troubles, etc. Your kids may be rebelling, your body may be failing you, you may have lost your job, you may be lonely, or may feel your marriage is falling apart. We are more than conquerors through Christ and He will never leave us or forsake us.
Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
In the darkest moment of my life, I panicked. There was no way I could be strong and face this, I thought. My dad, at the age of 49, was fading quickly due to cancer. His oxygen and heart rate was dropping rapidly. My 15-year-old sister and mother were waiting for me to join them in his room.
I started to walk into his bedroom but my heart started racing and I felt nauseous. I ran to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. I looked in the mirror at a pathetic young woman. A woman whose dad told her she was his rock and whose younger sister and mother were looking to for strength.
I cried out to God for strength and calm nerves. A verse came to mind my parents taught me when I played basketball as a little girl. Philippians 4:13: “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” Remembering who I am in Christ, I stood up, dried off my face, and went in the room. I sat down on my dad’s bed with my sister next to me. We held hands with each other and together, held our dad’s hand as he took his final breath.
Sweet peace filled that small bedroom in his final moments and stayed there even after my dad took his last breath. I was terrified but God gave us all strength and peace in our darkest hour. Everyone in that room felt God’s sweet presence. It was very painful and we cried like crazy but God gave us just what we needed to make it through.
Whatever circumstance you are facing today, cry out to God and He will give you what you need to make it through. Confide in other believers, search the Bible for answers, and be encouraged because you are never alone. God is close to the crushed in spirit. Do not give up the fight!
It is your chance to be a loving person to someone who did you wrong and show forgiveness. It is your chance to exercise your faith during a tragedy unfolding. We know He has a purpose that will bring about good in our lives no matter what we are facing. It may be the darkest time in your life but you have the spotlight. All eyes are on you to see how you respond.
Remember, how we treat other people and the actions we make show a direct reflection of our devotion, love, respect, and trust we have for our Father in Heaven. We have the choice of how we represent ourselves and live our lives. What will you choose?
A Prayer For You
Father, we pray that you will draw us closer in a relationship with You today. Help us learn to rely on You and trust You in every area of our lives. You spoke the Universe into existence with your power. I choose to trust you today and every day. In Jesus’ Mighty name, Amen.