Do you have a favorite Bible verse or perhaps a verse that you are simply reminded of constantly? Or perhaps one that keeps showing up…over and over and over? Well…let me tell ya…I certainly do. Two years ago, almost to the day, the Lord impressed upon my heart the verse below. I didn’t know at the time (and still don’t) the true significance that this verse has come to mean to me, but it has since become my life verse. The Lord has been teaching me so much about myself and my relationship with Him through this verse. It has popped up everywhere – in places I would never dream. I often rely on it for affirmation of the Lord’s whisper to my heart when I see it “show up” in the most unlikely places. He never forgets to remind me to trust Him…
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Easier said than done…eh? Sure, I can trust the Lord with anything and everything…but do I? I know that I know that I know that if I only trust Him, acknowledge Him and keep Him first place that He will guide all of my steps. He’s certainly been faithful many times before. So, why don’t I do it? Doesn’t it seem like the easiest thing to do? In all honestly, and if I look deep into my own heart, the reasons for my lack of obedience seem to be clear:
FEAR – What if I misunderstood Him? What if I make a mistake? What if I trust Him this time and I end up hurt? What if…what if…what if?
But His Word says, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
PRIDE – I don’t think the Lord really knows what He’s asking me to do anyway. Doesn’t He realize that people will laugh at me if I do this? Doesn’t He know that’s not the “normal” way of doing things? What will my friends & family think?
But His Word says, “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.” Proverbs 29:23 NIV
UNBELIEF – I really don’t believe that He can do what He says He can do. I’ve been disappointed too many times before.
But His Words says, “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21 NIV
There may be other reasons for my lack of trust at times, but these three seem to be the most common and obvious. He did not ask me to figure out His plans first but to simply trust Him in the process. How often do you fall into some of these same mindsets? Do you, like me, get so frustrated with your own sense of fear, pride, and unbelief at times? Well, I’ve learned that He knows that about me and continues to place me in situations where I MUST learn to trust Him. God is so good, even when I am so unworthy. As we continue along this path together, may we grow ever more mindful in learning to TRUST Him and take Him at His beautiful Word.
Leah, great thoughts. Shawna and I are learning quickly that trusting God is not the hard part of the process, it is the “leaving our own” thought process out of it that is tough. Everytime I get myself involved in the process I tend to just get in the way. The beauty of His grace and His understanding is that He continues to teach me anyway. We do serve and awesome God and I am thrilled to be on the ride!