In my post previous to this one ( check the link https://wheremysoulrests.wordpress.com/2019/12/16/seek-gods-guidance-for-2020/), I wrote about our need as believers, to seek God’s guidance, and to look toward 2020 with renewed hope in God’s goodness to us. If you happened to read through that post, I hope that you made that resolution to do so before January 1st.
Dear reader, if you are a believer, hopefully, this article will remind you to trust in the Lord’s faithfulness and to hold steadfastly to Him. If you are not a believer, I want you to feel encouraged to put your trust in Jesus and what He did for you on the cross.
How do we begin to trust in God’s faithfulness? Does it come naturally to believers? If you’re anything like me, even as a Christian, I try to fix problems on my own, it’s in my sinful nature to want to control my life, that’s not the will of God. He often reminds me of what He accomplished for me on the cross.
The Lord never promises us health, wealth, and happiness in His word (He is a God of His word) We are never guaranteed to be popular, loved, liked, have problem-free marriages, problem-free families. In fact, it’s the very opposite, He lays it out very clearly for us, we will be hated by everyone, that includes our nearest and dearest.
Lately, I’ve been pondering my Christian walk a lot, and while it is hard going, and you lose people, the Bible articulates this very clearly. The fact that it is written in black and white for us to understand makes things easier, I love that we have a black and white God, who is truthful and Just.
These 5 steps are how I’m learning to lean on God’s faithfulness, I hope they are an encouragement to you:
1) Trust In God’s Timing
This is a must for any Christian. You will often hear people disbelieving the Lord’s return, but He has His time, He is always patient. consider the following verses:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
In their hearts, humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?
His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back? (Isaiah 14:27)
2) Pray, Pray, Pray
Whatever it is that you are going through in life, God never tires of listening to us, other people do, but not God. If you are struggling to lean on His faithfulness, and you recognize your need to control, talk to God about it, He won’t condemn you, He wants us to pray, and we NEED to pray.
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11)
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. (Psalm 55:17)
3) Know That God Only Speaks The Truth
It’s a fact that God does not lie! Not only does He not lie, but He also doesn’t give false hope, or cushion any blows. He is always truthful all of the time. I don’t know about you, but I find that very comforting.
God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change his mind.
Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? (Numbers23:19)
4) Know That God Is Your Provider
God has given everything we require for life, we have a lot to be thankful for.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. (Psalm23: 1-3)
5) Look To The cross
Jesus suffered an agonizing, humiliating death, for your sake. The Lord paid the price for our sins, He promised this, in the Bible, hundreds of years before He that horrific moment. If that doesn’t make us trust in God’s faithfulness to us, what else will?
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their face He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem. (Isaiah 53:3)
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)
I hope that this post has offered you encouragement.
God bless
Lisa
Where My Soul Rests 