Learning to trust God more, while worrying less, is an area that I believe most of us could admit to needing a little improvement in! It’s easy to say that we trust God; but oftentimes, we still worry and fret about situations that are seemingly impossible and beyond our control. Human nature has us trying to figure out every little detail of our problems for ourselves. We want the answers, and we want them right now! Yet, God commands us to trust Him, trust His timing, and trust His ability to work things out for our good. We want to trust Him, but the true question is, “Do we?” The struggle to actually do so, can be inexplicably real at times! So as this new year begins, let’s look to scriptures that strengthen our capacity to trust God. Let’s step out in faith to become exactly who God uniquely created us to be, and fulfill our purpose!
God’s Abilities are Unimaginable
One of my favorite “go to verses” in times of fear or worry would have to be from Ephesians 3:20 (KJV) which says:
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…”
This is such a powerful verse! “There is no doubt about it, this verse informs us that God is able to do far more than we can even think to ask from Him. This scripture comes quickly to mind in those times when you just do not even know how to pray about a situation. God knows!
Another translation of this same verse says it this way: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Isn’t it amazing that we can not even begin to imagine all that God is capable of doing, yet we worry, as if we could do things better than Him? It seems a little silly under the circumstances, wouldn’t you agree?
The sovereignty of God means that there is nothing that is impossible for Him. Our minds are not capable of even imagining all that His power encompasses! Therefore, when we are tempted to worry, we should choose to fight those feelings, and “Let God Be God in Every Area of Our Lives! His ways are so much higher than our own!”
Bible Scriptures to Recall in Times of Worry
Ponder these verses in times of worry:
- “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalms 55:22 (NIV)
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
- “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
- “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Luke 12:25 (NIV)
There have been many times that I have leaned on scriptures like these for difficult situations. Consequently though, my first tendency is to worry, and become fearful of possible outcomes. I must remind myself often, that I need to trust God with all things! In every decision, we should know that God cares, and wants us to come to Him for wisdom and direction. Not just in times of trouble, but at all times, whether it’s in regards to personal, business, or even financial decisions.
God Knows the Plans He Has For Us
There’s no way I could share a post about trusting God without using one of my all-time favorite verses:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
In the beginning of this post, I wrote, “Yet, God commands us to trust Him, trust His timing, and trust His ability to work things out for our good.” This statement goes hand in hand with this verse, and was actually on my mind as I wrote it.
Speaking for myself, I can tell you that I draw great comfort from the knowledge that God has plans for my life. (This is true for anyone who is reading this post, also!) I’m thankful that His plans include prospering me, giving me hope and a future, and you should be also!
I love knowing that with God, all things are possible, and we are not limited to our own abilities. His infinite power and wisdom is there for each of us. God will help us achieve all the things He called us to do.
As we step out to try new things, it is important that we realize one very important thing: “It is not by our power, but by His!” Our strength and courage comes from acknowledging that God’s power is working in us, and we are not alone!
Take Steps Toward Your Calling & Purpose
As we step into 2024, my hope is that each of us will stop leaning on our own understanding for what comes next. This brings me to the last scripture I want to share with you for now. (Although, I know there are many more great verses to apply, and I feel like this may be a continued theme. So, I hope you’ll follow future posts!)
The final scripture is found in Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV):
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
God expects us to trust Him with all of our heart, and tells us to stop trying to figure things out on our own. There are just some things that we are not meant to know, and that’s where faith is required. God commands us to acknowledge Him, and let Him direct our paths. However, this does not mean that nothing is required on our behalf.
Quite the opposite actually! God gave each of us gifts, and talents that are unique to us individually. He also placed a calling on each of our lives, and a purpose to fulfill for His Glory. It is up to us to pursue that, by stepping out in faith to be and do all that God has planned for us!
It’s certainly true that we do not know what our future holds, but we should be confident in knowing who holds our future! ~ Let’s go boldly into 2024, determined to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to tell of the love and mercy of God! ~ Happy New Year!
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