Trusting God when Life Doesn’t Make Sense

Trusting God when Life Doesn’t Make Sense – Insights from God’s Word
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:11–13

Trusting God when Life Doesn’t Make Sense
Prayer: Lord, as I begin another new day I am astounded at the kingdom understanding You desire to share with us. Every day brings a new revelation -- a deeper understanding of Your truths. Every day brings a hunger that continues to grow - as more and more I recognize how many more layers of understanding there are to be unveiled in my life. Your ways are different - and my understanding of your ways eons away from completion. But it is precisely because of this that my anticipation of what lies ahead of me continues to increase.

I look back at where I have come, and I am forced to acknowledge that without a faithful God, I would have never gotten this far. I imagine I could spend every second of every day studying Your Word and still not fully comprehend the depth of the treasure that lies there. However, I do understand I can keep digging and finding the new understanding and power I need to discern just where You are leading me. The biggest detours in my path have come because of my own selfishness and my own impatience.

I suppose I could blame it on the culture I live in -- fast paced and intense -- but this would really not be accurate. I have walked this walk long enough to know that the choices I make are mine -- and all too often I make sputtering starts and swift stops without even consulting You. I have learned a lot in those seasons -- as round and round the mountain I have gone -- without making the slightest step toward growth and authenticity.

Over and over again, You remind me that each new day brings a new opportunity to see You better and to have You use me to reveal Yourself to the world. I don’t always listen and obey -- and in those moments, I end up treading water -- and even worse -- beginning another endless cycle of repetitive motion taking me exactly nowhere.

This morning I know I can no longer afford this supremely selfish lifestyle. I see that my ability to remain comfortable has stopped me from ascending to new heights - because I was afraid of risk. I am first of all grateful for Your patience and Your willingness to journey with me -- no matter how often I returned to my own selfish pursuits. But more than that, I am deeply convicted that the times in which I live are ripe with opportunities for greatness -- and I have just as much a chance of making a difference as any of the great men and women of God who have gone before me.

I praise You in this moment of clarity as I recognize the deception that has often been in place in my life -- and knowing this makes me stronger. There is absolutely no point in wallowing in self pity as the road ahead of me is brightly lit by the Your Holy Spirit -- and my destiny lies somewhere out there. One step at a time -- one day at a time -- with God’s power and wisdom -- I can move ahead. I know I will never see it all clearly - as you care more about my character - and developing my faith and trust - than You do in anything I can accomplish for You.

I pray today that the seeds I planted years ago will begin to bear real lasting fruit. I pray for patience to water and nourish that seed until it reaches maturity. As I learn to wait on You, I pray I do that by manifesting Your fruit to everyone I meet. Even as I write I hear the Holy Spirit check my spirit as He reminds me that peace will be my measuring stick. From past experience I know when I lose my peace I also lose my patience, self control, etc. -- and Satan steps into that vacuum and begins to sting me with anxiety, confusion and even despair.

I ask You, Jesus, to help me -- and all who pray this prayer -- to fight against worry, confusion, anxiety, and despair as soon as we recognize they are a factor. We cannot sit idly by while great opportunities have been prepared for each one of us. Your divine will should be our barometer - and constant reminder of our heritage as Your kids -- our direction finder. We have the greatest message ever preached as a road map - and as the world grows darker and many more people begin to live in fear - we should be revealing the greatest peace and the greatest courage in the midst of a collapsing world. We know WHO to trust--- and we know WHO has real authority! We also know "that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose," Romans 8:28. Help us, my King, to be anxious for nothing - and to be grateful for all You do and all You have done -- as we trust You for the fruit. To you be all the honor and glory!

Trusting God when Life Doesn’t Make Sense – Making it Personal
Reflect: I have spent far too many years wasting time wrapped in anxiety and confusion knowing even in the midst of it all, that God had a better plan for me. All of us -- whether we admit it or not -- tend to place our own needs and interests ahead of God -- and as a result true, lasting fruit does not result. For myself, I know I can no longer waste time on this type of foolishness - as God has continually proven Himself faithful in my life. I have come to the place where I want to live out the reality of being "anxious for nothing but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let my requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6). I know this results in peace, and I know I will become a wiser, happier woman used by God to destroy strongholds and restore peace and trust to a very weary world.