Plan to Trust

One thing we can be certain of in our Christian walk is that trials will come. At times, they can be hard. This is particularly true when we do not understand what God is doing in and through our circumstances.

Often, when we share our dilemma – those situations we find ourselves in that challenge every area of our lives and we do not know what to do or think about them – we are told to trust God. Verses are shared to instill hope, and the Jerry Bridges quote, “Trust is not a passive state of mind. It is a vigorous act of the soul by which we choose to lay hold on the promises of God and cling to them despite the adversity that at times seeks to overwhelm us,” is often used to show us our lack of spiritual fortitude.

We admit the need; we covet the firmness of mind, and a strong soul that will enable us to meet our trials with courage and confidence. We want the patience to endure; we want to glorify the Lord with the trials He has brought to us. But, how? How are we to do this?

1. No change will come without a plan.

2. Planning necessitates a commitment.

3. Commitment calls for discipline.

To create a plan we need to consider why we are struggling with our reality. Be honest. We have lost our focus, our thinking is at fault, our feelings are ruling our situations rather than what is real and true. Reality is absolute, and so is Truth. It is found in the Word of God. To know what Scripture says about our situation we need to plan time in the Word.

After examining our thoughts, our heart, we need to commit to planned Bible study. On our own, and with a group.

Once you have made the commitment, discipline must follow for continued growth. Join a group, or start one. Find likeminded believers who are willing to grow with you, and hold you accountable.

Proverbs 22:17-19 instructs us on how to develop a heart of trust towards the Lord, “incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. That your trust may be in the LORD.”

Inclining our ear and hearing wisdom from the Word to sustain us acknowledges we are dependent on the Lord to teach us what He wants us to know – in His time. Keeping the truths of Scripture renews our mind enabling us to be obedient and steadfast in response to trials.

• Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts (Jeremiah 15:16).

• I discipline my body and keep it under control (1 Corinthians 9:27).

• Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).

• Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11).