Over the past year, God has
opened my eyes to small things that I thought I trusted him with and made me
realize otherwise. He has shown me how some responses have been rooted in fear, instead out of pure trust. These days, he reminds me to ask myself
what my decision is based on before answering. If it is rooted out of fear
- what might happen or the possible side effects - then it is not of
trust or him. Good judgment is crucial and trusting God that if something were
to happen that it is all in the palm of his hand. Entirely depending on him for
the outcome.
It is small daily fears that so
easily entangle. Yes, fears of heights and alligators and sharks may be typical
but usually do not pose a daily threat, whereas the fear of a school shooting
or car accident or failing at a presentation at work or school may hold you
captive and instill an automatic no response. Fear of your child being at
school during a shooting or not get the
best education, so he is moved to another. Fear of your child being in a
car accident with a loved one driving, so she stays home. Fear of not being
able to meet work expectations, so you decline the promotion or project. Fear
of people looking down on you, so you do whatever
is required. Fear of the unknown. Fear of something outside of your control.
These are little snares that so easily entrap you throughout the day that you may
not have even noticed them.
Tis so Sweet by Jadon Lavik is a
beautiful version this classic. Have a listen.
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
It is sweet to trust in Jesus. And rest in his Word and his promises. To not have to worry about anything. Scripture has so much to say about trust and testimonies of those who have gone before us with the benefits of trusting God. Abraham trusted God to go to a new land. Moses trusted God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Noah trusted and built an ark. Trust is not something that happens over night. It takes time. It requires a giving up of yourself to be able to trust God. To gauge his dependency status. To give him a chance to come through or if you will have to do it yourself. To allow him the follow through.
Praying that you will put your complete trust in God. Praying that you would not lean on your own understanding of the situation because sometimes we are not meant to understand but simply follow in obedience. Praying that you would be conscious of what you are basing your decisions off of and that God would guide you to one that requires trust. Praying that trust in him would be built and would be a constant in life. Praying that fear would not have a grip on you and for trust to be embedded in your being.
Here's to decisions and less fear. Here's to more confidence in God.