April 20, 2022
Choosing to Trust God
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
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 NIV).
Friend to Friend
My husband and I were in a waiting period. His company had gone through a merger and was collapsing positions and territories, which left his employment in jeopardy. For months we didn't know if Brad would keep his job or if he’d need to find another one. During that time, we had to choose to trust God. And it wasn’t easy.
Choosing to trust God is so daily, isn't it?
When I only looked at the "what-ifs" of Brad's job situation – the possible unemployment, the stress of job-hunting, the financial strain of unemployment, and the uncertainty of the economy – my faith and God-confidence shook and waned. Fear and doubt knocked on the door of my heart, suitcases in hand, wanting to move in and take up residence.
On the other hand, when I fixed my eyes on God, looked at His character and at the ways He had brought us through hard times in the past, my faith was strengthened. Courage and confidence knocked on my heart! They are much better residents.
The heart-warming story of Ruth and Naomi is of two women who faced difficult circumstances and an uncertain future. Following the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to move back to her homeland of Israel. Though she freed her daughters-in-law to stay in their home country of Moab and remarry, Ruth refused to leave Naomi's side.
Determined and loyal, Ruth held tightly to the mother-in-law she loved deeply and to the God of Israel whom she now called her own. Though our natural tendency in hard times is often to go it alone, I've learned from Ruth, and from my own experience, that in turbulent times it's vital that we hold fast to our faithful God and to the ones we love.
God breathed hope into the souls of Naomi and Ruth through their kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. The book of Ruth goes on to tell a fascinating account of how God lovingly cared for and blessed Naomi as He used the faithful friendship and kindness of Ruth to renew her life and sustain her. She traveled back to Bethlehem as a broken, depressed and bitter widow but was comforted and restored by the loving hand of God.
Like Naomi, when I experience difficult times, I have to choose to trust God.
Some days I choose well.
Some days I don't.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “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.”
Choosing to trust God changes everything.
How can we choose to trust God? We decide in our hearts. We recognize that our own understanding will fail us. We submit our ways, our conversations, our attitudes, our relationships, our employment… our everything to the faithful One who not only straightens our paths but walks them with us.
No matter what challenges you face today, take comfort that God knows every issue on your heart and is able to shoulder your burdens. Hold fast to the faithful One. Your challenges do not fall outside the scope of God's ability to intervene. He is able to bring peace in the pain and strength in the struggle.
Trusting God isn’t always easy… but it is always best.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, You know exactly where I am and You know the circumstances of my life. Please give me courage and help me to trust You today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What is the Lord calling you to trust Him with today?
Read the book of Ruth. (It’s only 4 chapters!)
If you struggle with trusting God, know that you’re not alone. Need prayer? Let’s meet in the comments section today. Post a prayer and pray for the posted needs of another.
More from the Girlfriends
Got some dreams that you’re ready to prioritize and make happen? Do you desire to be mentored professionally and challenged as you progress toward your goals? Gain focus, bolster your courage and sharpen your competencies through 1-on-1 personal, ministry or business coaching with Gwen Smith. Spots are limited. Learn more at GwenSmith.net/Coaching.
© 2022 by Gwen Smith. All rights reserved.
Originally published Wednesday, 20 April 2022.
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