Hey there 2020,. it’s only March but it feels like the end of the year.. Ready or not, the new decade is here with a mission to shake us out of our comfort zones. COVID-19 has us in social isolation, working remotely, online church… Thank God for the internet that facilitates socialisation in a new dimension for most of the world.
In the face of the global uncertainty, fear,anxiety and worry have hit the world in magnitudes many are not prepared for. The Christian’s response is to simply TRUST GOD. How can one just trust God in the midst of global deaths and no cure? The temptation is to regard trusting God as unserious.
Yet Trusting God remains the only worthy response.
Whether trust was ever a thing you struggled with or not, the time to TRUST GOD is here. Everything we could trust in other than God has been stripped of its ability to hold us up in this COVID-19 season.
How does one TRUST?
What is TRUST? Google defines is it as: firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something. “relations have to be built on trust”
The opposite of TRUST is DOUBT
Trusting is dependent on relationship. In order for one to trust God, a relationship with Him is imperative. We enter into relationship with the Father through Christ.
Trust is cultivated as one spends time in God’s word; learning about Him, His nature, His character, in Prayer ( two way communication) , fellowship, living everyday life acknowledging His presence and leadership. Relationship with God will always grow from strength to strength because He is faithful, even when we are not. As we experience His loving nature, kindness , goodness and mercy, trusting Him becomes easy. Get to know the one in whom you are Trusting. I think of the trust relationships most have with banks. If the bank has been in business for a long time, with a stellar reputation, trusting the bank with your money is not too difficult. Over time, the banks consistency will do the speaking.
How does one trust God when they don’t understand?
Understanding the one in whom you trust is more valuable than understanding the circumstance whose understanding you lack. Focus on the one in whom you are trusting; God’s character, His nature, His track record makes navigating the difficult situations that bring fear, worry , doubt and anxiety to the forefront of life. God’s nature is rooted in LOVE, everything concerning Him is LOVE, because GOD is love.
The Word of God specifically addresses Fear, worry , anxiety always pointing us back to God’s love.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV)
God is our refuge and strength,
A[a] very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the [b]midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah (Psalm 46:1-3 NKJV)
Reading the scriptures makes me realise that God is not surprised by situations or circumstances that test our trust in Him. He is way ahead affirming us of His presence , provision and power with and within us at all times.
Trusting God is not as simplistic as we hear it. Trusting God in the times we are in today challenges us to be intentional because everything around us will test our reliance on Him. The mind is the biggest battle field the enemy engages his attacks against us. The war is always won in the mind.
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
For in Yah, the Lord, is [b]everlasting strength. (Isaiah 26:3-4)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10: 3-6)
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10 NKJV)
Prayer:
Lord God, it is so comforting to know that these times we are in are no surprise for YOU. The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. Please continue to strengthen our resolves to trust you despite everything that is happening in the world as we know it. Give us your PEACE, Prince of Peace in the midst of the chaos of this virus. In Jesus NAME , AMEN.
Indeed, trusting God may seem trivial, but it is the always the noble thing to do; particularly in these times…. Well said love!!!