"Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]." --Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)
This may not be your typical post of article as it relates to issues of trust, but I pray that it would be thought provoking and encouraging as we consider TRUST through the lens of scripture and the eyes of the Father.
Recently, one of my dear sisters in Lord, Lilian, a talented and successful business woman/entrepreneur shared aspects of her journey. She spoke with humility, confidence, and grace. As she reflectively talked about aspects of her journey, which were challenging and perhaps scary at times, she said, "It seems like God always puts me in the deep end of the pool. So, it's either sink or swim...I choose to swim".
What did her decision to swim translate to? TRUST. My dear sister chose to trust God. To trust His plan, his purpose, and destiny for her life. How did she get to such a place of trust? RELATIONSHIP.
How many of us are in a place of stagnation or regression because we are struggling with issues of trust? Most of us have experienced, at one time or another, some form disappointment, rejection, abandonment, etc. that has shaken or shattered our ability/desire to trust people or to trust God. When trust is betrayed, broken, or violated, our sense of safety, security, and protection is inhibited. We go into protective mode--erecting walls and soul fortresses to barricade our hearts from further breeches. We are no longer pursuing relationship with God or people.
Come Out of Hiding
1. Authentic trust begins with the Father. If you struggle with issues of trust, you are not alone. Acknowledge and confess this area before the Lord. Ask Him to heal the wounds of brokenness and uproot bitterness and unforgiveness (if they are present).
2. Cultivate a relationship with the Father. The foundation of any relationship is trust. As we pursue and seek a personal relationship with the Lord, trust is being developed.
Consider the disciples' response to Jesus' instruction after having fished all night and catching nothing. Consider their fatigue, frustration, and annoyance. Consider their ability to trust.
"When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon [Peter], “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch [of fish].” Simon replied, “Master, we worked hard all night [to the point of exhaustion] and caught nothing [in our nets], but at Your word I will [do as you say and] lower the nets [again].” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets were [at the point of] breaking...After they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].
--Luke 5:4-6,11(AMP)
3. Listen, depend, rely, and obey the voice and promptings of Holy Spirit.
The more time we spend in God's presence (prayer, meditating, reading the Bible, worshipping), the more in tune our spirits become to hearing Holy Spirit. He enlightens, gives wisdom, and discernment as we interact in relationship with others.
4. Don't project past disappointments by people onto God. God is love. He does not violate, abuse, abandon, or mistreat. He is pure, compassionate, holy, and righteous. As we bring our hearts and our brokenness to Him, he will care for us with warmth, tenderness, and acceptance. We are safe and secure in Him.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for each and every person who may be struggling with issues of trust. I pray that as they would bring their brokenness before you, that you would uproot pain, bitterness, resentment. Remove walls and barriers. Fill them with your love, peace, and joy. Thank you for the guidance of Holy Spirit leading them in the way of truth and light. Thank you for your promise to bring wholeness and healing. We receive it now. Amen
This may not be your typical post of article as it relates to issues of trust, but I pray that it would be thought provoking and encouraging as we consider TRUST through the lens of scripture and the eyes of the Father.
Recently, one of my dear sisters in Lord, Lilian, a talented and successful business woman/entrepreneur shared aspects of her journey. She spoke with humility, confidence, and grace. As she reflectively talked about aspects of her journey, which were challenging and perhaps scary at times, she said, "It seems like God always puts me in the deep end of the pool. So, it's either sink or swim...I choose to swim".
What did her decision to swim translate to? TRUST. My dear sister chose to trust God. To trust His plan, his purpose, and destiny for her life. How did she get to such a place of trust? RELATIONSHIP.
How many of us are in a place of stagnation or regression because we are struggling with issues of trust? Most of us have experienced, at one time or another, some form disappointment, rejection, abandonment, etc. that has shaken or shattered our ability/desire to trust people or to trust God. When trust is betrayed, broken, or violated, our sense of safety, security, and protection is inhibited. We go into protective mode--erecting walls and soul fortresses to barricade our hearts from further breeches. We are no longer pursuing relationship with God or people.
Come Out of Hiding
1. Authentic trust begins with the Father. If you struggle with issues of trust, you are not alone. Acknowledge and confess this area before the Lord. Ask Him to heal the wounds of brokenness and uproot bitterness and unforgiveness (if they are present).
2. Cultivate a relationship with the Father. The foundation of any relationship is trust. As we pursue and seek a personal relationship with the Lord, trust is being developed.
Consider the disciples' response to Jesus' instruction after having fished all night and catching nothing. Consider their fatigue, frustration, and annoyance. Consider their ability to trust.
"When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon [Peter], “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch [of fish].” Simon replied, “Master, we worked hard all night [to the point of exhaustion] and caught nothing [in our nets], but at Your word I will [do as you say and] lower the nets [again].” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets were [at the point of] breaking...After they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].
--Luke 5:4-6,11(AMP)
3. Listen, depend, rely, and obey the voice and promptings of Holy Spirit.
The more time we spend in God's presence (prayer, meditating, reading the Bible, worshipping), the more in tune our spirits become to hearing Holy Spirit. He enlightens, gives wisdom, and discernment as we interact in relationship with others.
4. Don't project past disappointments by people onto God. God is love. He does not violate, abuse, abandon, or mistreat. He is pure, compassionate, holy, and righteous. As we bring our hearts and our brokenness to Him, he will care for us with warmth, tenderness, and acceptance. We are safe and secure in Him.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for each and every person who may be struggling with issues of trust. I pray that as they would bring their brokenness before you, that you would uproot pain, bitterness, resentment. Remove walls and barriers. Fill them with your love, peace, and joy. Thank you for the guidance of Holy Spirit leading them in the way of truth and light. Thank you for your promise to bring wholeness and healing. We receive it now. Amen
