A Year of Choices…
By Barbara Dahlgren from Barbara’s Banter at www.barbdahlgren.com
In this world of mistrust we forget there is one we can always count on and trust. It’s God. In good times or bad, God can always be trusted to take care of us and look out for our best interest. Circumstances change but God remains constant. God is good and blessed are those who trust him. (Jeremiah 17:7)
Sometimes we forget that trust is a choice. (Psalm 31:14)
Most of our choices or decisions are habitual responses, many times governed by our feelings and emotions. Trusting God must be a conscious, moment by moment choice. God is with us every step of every day whether we feel it or not. Daily disruptions are opportunities to trust God. Trust relinquishes control to God.
When we trust God our happiness does not depend on our circumstances. (Habakkuk 3:17-19) Scriptures tell us to trust in God with all our hearts and don’t rely on how we feel. (Proverbs 3:5) Our feelings can be misleading.
Here are just a few reasons we can trust God…
- Our God is the one true God. (2 Samuel 7:22)
- He cannot lie. (Hebrews 6:18) Satan lies, but God does not lie. (John 8:44)
- He is faithful and will never let us down. (Lamentations 3:23) That doesn’t mean He always gives us what we want but we can trust Him to do what is best for us
- He is all powerful but uses His power wisely. (Matthew 28:18)
- He loves us unconditionally. (John 15:9)
- God never changes. (Hebrews 13:8)
Consider this…When difficulties arise many ask, “Where is God?” However, He’s right there with us. We need to look for God where we are. The more time we spend with God the more we will realize that He is always with us.
When we trust God, He can lift us up – above our circumstances. He can give us strength and hope. (Philippians 4:13) He can give us refuge from the storm and shade from the heat. (Isaiah 25:4) Trusting God is how we walk by faith, not sight. It protects us from worry and gives us the peace that passes understanding.
We can trust God’s wisdom and timing. Those who put their trust in him will never be forsaken. (Psalm 9:10) Choose to trust in God with all your heart. You’ll be glad you did!
Suggestions for practicing this choice…
- When you are afraid, whisper, “I trust you, Lord.” (Psalm 56:14)
- When things aren’t going well, whisper, “I trust you, Lord.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
- When you aren’t feeling well, whisper, “I trust you, Lord.” (Proverbs 3:5)
- Those others refuse to trust God whisper, “I trust you, Lord.” (Psalm 34:14)
- Ask God to help you trust Him. Sometimes just whispering, “I choose to trust You, Lord” can give us perspective.
