Do You Trust God?

Like many people, I get on Facebook and I see all kinds of posts, and lately I’ve noticed an increase in frustration, anger, and anxiety. Issues like the results of the recent American election, and the subsequent actions of the new president, seem to have fueled a lot of sentiment. We hear about immigration, taxes, security, medical care and a host of other topics. Everyone has an opinion, and often those opinions are in direct opposition. But what is at the heart of all this? Why are people so anxious? Are you one of those who feels nervous or upset? If so, I have a question for you. Do you trust God?

It’s Confession Time

I admit that I tend to get caught up in all the hoopla. I make my thoughts known (like many others), and I want things to happen in the world the way I want them to happen. When it doesn’t turn out that way I get frustrated and impatient. Then, to make matters worse, I get grouchy and start complaining about everyone and everything that I think is wrong with the world. Does that sound familiar?

It was during one of those ‘gripe sessions’ that the Lord posed that question to me, and it took me by surprise. “Do you trust God? “ flashed across my mind. “Of course I trust in You, Lord” was my ‘spiritual response,’ but I knew that wasn’t what He wanted to hear.

I then began to think of situations I thought were wrong; the national debt, militant and violent rioting, terrorism, abortion, and many others. I had grown angry at, and impatient with, others, but God used those feelings to show me that the root of the problem was not them – it was me.

Do you trust God? I had to take some time and really examine myself to answer that truthfully. Did I trust God? Did I really believe He is still in control? I became aware of some of the areas in my life where that was the case, but more importantly, I became aware of those areas where that wasn’t the case. I was angry and frustrated because I really didn’t trust Him as much as I thought.

A Reset Is Needed

That realization hit me hard, demanding that I take action! I claimed to trust in Him, but my actions told a different story. I needed to put my trust in God into action – in every area of my life. Do things happen that I don’t agree with? Yes, of course, they do, and there will be more of them, too. Do situations come around which can make me frustrated or anxious?  Yes, of course, they do, and there will be more of them, too. Do I have to allow those things control over me? No, I do not!

Do you trust God? It’s easy to say we ‘trust God’ when things are going well. The sun is shining. The birds are chirping, The flowers are blooming. All is right in the world, so I can boast about trusting in God because it’s easy. The real test, however, is when things get rough. That’s when we need to truly, sincerely seek Him, and trust that He is still in control.

Below are some passages which I hope will inspire you to draw closer to the Lord. He is, after all, the ruler of the universe! Meditating on these (and similar) Scripture will help build a defense against the negativity, fear, and anger that seems to be creeping into our relationships.

Do You Trust God?

Ps 20:6-8

Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright.

Nahum 1:7

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.

2 Sam 22:29-37

For You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?  God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places.

Ps 4:4-5

Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. (Selah)  Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.

1 Tim 6:17

 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

Ps 9:9-10

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Isa 26:3-4

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.