As we detail our troubles, we intend for our hearts to trust.
But we overshare our hopes while downplaying our fears. We try to back up our feelings of trust- a form of faith- with evidence and proof that it’s working. That things will get better “if.”
Our trust is half-hearted. So our hearts only feel half-secured.
That’s what real trust is: full reliance on the security of the Lord.
To trust in Him is to stake our hope and put our confidence in our Lord’s will.
Isaiah 26:3-4 says this:
“You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”
———
We are not held within that perfect peace when we don’t trust in Him. Our body language, conversations, and dependencies betray us.
Why the wringing hands and nervous speech? Why don’t our hearts believe what they proclaim about God?
One reason? Our trust is divided.
There’s something else we’re relying on and it’s taking hold of half of that
desperate-to-be-steadfast-mind
and half of that
heart-yearning-for-peace.
Our trust might be divided between God and money. God and spouse. God and ambition.
Whatever other thing we’re trusting in, it will disappoint us. And it will all the while compete for the heart that is best given wholly and completely to the Lord.
When we trust in God AND something else, we stand atop the rock, looking for stability, but holding our burdens above our heads. Then, we wonder why it’s so hard to balance.
Do you know the trust(ish)-dance?
For the next few weeks, I’ll be writing each Monday on something (or someone) I tend to trust in besides God.
I’d love for you to join me! Writers and non-writers are all welcome.
Send me an email message (here) by June 5th telling me about something you trust in besides God and/or how you seek to remove that unnecessary balance beam to stand more firmly atop the rock. If you’d like, we can arrange for a guest post in the series!
This post will also be shared on: #TestimonyTuesday, #RaRaLinkup, #Intentionally Pursuing, #WomenWithIntention, #TellHiStory, #Thought-Provoking Thursday, #DanceWithJesus, #LLMLinkup and #SoulSurvivalLinkup.
Oh, yeah, I’m familiar with the trust-ish dance…and the trust-ish argument…and the trust-ish obedience (is that really obedience?)! 🙂 Thanks for reminding us that we need to fully lean into trusting Him.
Glad it’s not just me, Holly! Have you ever read “The Simple Things of the Christian Life” by G Campbell Morgan? His words on truth-ish obedience-ish are fantastic! You might enjoy : ) Thanks so much for the kind words, Holly!
How many mornings have I poured that bracing cup of caffeinated tea and said to the Lord, “I wonder if I could do this day with just you and no tea?” That’s a silly example (kind of), but I know that there are all kinds of crutches holding me up, and when I hear or read of believers who have said, “Lord, you are all I need” because they’ve actually experienced it . . . I’m humbled. Thanks for this thought provoking gift of words today!
My gosh, yes, Michele. I feel that way with chocolate honestly. It’s silly and little…but I’ve often prayed that the Lord would help me not to trust in comfort food instead of trusting in Him to be my comfort! “Little crutches” is a great way to put it. And ditto. So humbling when the Lord has me trusting in nothing but Him and when I see others experiencing this! Thank YOU for the sharing with me and encouraging me as always Michele : )
Yes, I know the trust-ish dance! Even though we trust God it is very easy to fall into trusting other things too. Sounds like this will be a good series.
Thanks, Carly! Looking forward to hearing more about what the Lord has taught you in this : )
Looking forward to this series, Bethany. Still pondering your question about what I trust in besides God … it’s making me a bit uncomfortable but that’s what good questions do, right? 🙂
Lois, it’s making me uncomfortable too! Having a hard time writing one of the upcoming posts because addressing the issue in my heart isn’t so easy! Hope the Lord can grow us and teach us to trust Him more through the “ugh” of this!