Trust God In All Things

When it comes to trusting God, do you say the words that all Christians are supposed to say – “I trust God in all things.” But then you glance down and notice your fingers clenched tight and your knuckles turning white, and you realize you do not rely on anyone, let alone God whom you can’t see. How does one trust God in all circumstances?

In life, we have all faced situations that are completely unexpected and out of our control. These experiences are a superb training ground to learn to depend on God, in all things. If we can learn to put our assurance in God, we can find that peace that transcends all understanding.

It Starts with a Relationship

Who do you put your trust in? Aren’t they the people you know? We need to make sure getting to know God is a priority. Friendship takes time; it takes a commitment to the relationship. It is about talking, listening, and learning about the other person.

Cry out to God

God has huge shoulders! We can go to him with anything.  It may feel irreverent to cry out to God, and yet the Bible invites us to do so. In scripture, we see many examples of people lamenting to God.

In Psalms we find David crying out to the Lord. Then in Luke 10:40, Martha asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?” “Tell her to help me!” Even Jesus in the garden asked, “Let this cup pass from me” in Matthew 26:39.

Be brutally honest with God. God is big enough, powerful enough and gracious enough to absorb any emotion we might have, including our anger or complaining. Expressing our grievances to him is okay as long as we are not grumbling about him. Of course, it won’t solve our unanswered prayer, but it will drive us to God where we can find peace.

O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

Remember All God Has Done

It is so important to keep a record of what God has done in your life and the lives of those around you. It will benefit you to remember that God is with you and for you. Try journaling, so you have something to look back at and see how faithful God is. I start mine with

“I will remember”……… and list out all the things I can think of where God has helped.

 Choose to Trust God

We must decide up front to believe God will take care of us even when it makes no sense.  Do not wait for a feeling of confidence.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.  2 Corinthians 5:7

Seek Wise Counsel

I remember back to a conversation with a wise friend who helped me understand how to put this into practice. My child had been diagnosed with a serious illness one which could very well result in death. My wise friend kindly pointed out the best way to get through this was to embrace the unexpected news and entirely put my trust in God.

I thought to myself doesn’t he know I do trust God!  But he went on to explain a different kind of faith, one which I had never fully embraced.

He stated, “I would need to make a decision upfront, as to whether I would trust and rely on God 100 percent.” He explained, “this kind of trust will not waiver even when the results are not what I want.”

At home that night I cried out, “I Will Trust You, God!”

I would love to say it was a one-time decision and I never have to go back and work through the steps. But when things whirl out of control as they do I have to remind myself I already made my decision to put my trust in the Lord.

I often hear myself saying, “I don’t like this God, but if this is what it takes I am all in.”

Our assurance in God applies not just to the big things or when prayers are not answered. It also applies to our everyday circumstances. It is easy to struggle in the places where we see a little wiggle room or think we have some control. In reality, we know we have no real power, and this thinking keeps us stuck in a place of fear, worry, and anxiety.

An excellent example of the steps above can be found in Psalm 77. Asaph wrestles and cries out to God and then turns to remembering how God has helped him in the past.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3: 5-6

Where do you struggle the most with trusting God? What helps?