Scripture

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5, 6

Meditation

During times of adversity, it is natural for us to complain. We are even tempted to doubt God, that He is in control, that He knows what He’s doing, or that He has our best interests in mind. We often want immediate relief from the difficult circumstances in which we find ourselves. We might even demand that God explain why these things are happening.

However, nowhere in Scripture are we called to understand our circumstances, but rather we are simply expected to trust God in the midst of them. To trust the Lord is to believe what He says, to put confidence in Him, to commit to His care, and to rely upon Him completely. But, to trust the Lord, we must first know the Lord, who He is, what He says, and what He’s done.

When we experience difficult days, it is important to remember three aspects of God – His absolute sovereignty, His infinite wisdom, and His boundless love. First, God is absolutely sovereign. When life seems out of control, we can trust that He is in control. No person or event is outside of His reach.[1] Second, God is infinite in wisdom. He has a plan and a purpose for all things, even hard times.[2] Third, God is good, and His love is measureless.[3] No matter what we are going through, we can trust that God not only knows what is best, but He allows what is best to achieve what is best for our good and His glory.[4]

Prayer

God, I trust You. I don’t understand why these things are happening, but I trust You. I know and believe that You are sovereign, that You are in control, and so I trust You. I know and believe that You are infinitely wise, and I am not. You have a plan. You’re working all things for Your good purposes, and so I trust You. God, I know and believe that You love me. You love me so much that You gave Your Son to die for me, and so I trust You. You will never leave me or forsake me,[5] and nothing will separate me from Your love.[3] In all my ways, God, I will acknowledge You, for You are good. You know what is good, and You will accomplish all that is good, and I will trust You. 

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[1] God’s Sovereignty – Prov. 16:9; 21:30, 31; Isa. 46:9-10; Dan. 4:35

[2] God’s Wisdom – Ps. 147:5; Isa. 55:8, 9; Rom. 11:33, 34

[3] God’s Love – Ps. 103:11; Rom. 5:8; 8:31-39; 1 John 4:8-10

[4] God’s Purposes – Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28

[5] God’s Faithfulness – Deut. 31:6; Lam. 3:22, 23; Matt. 28:20; Heb. 10:23