Unshakable trust…. It sounds nice, but is it realistic?
Have you ever had to make a conscious choice to trust God even when it doesn’t make sense? Even when everything in you says to turn and run?
I feel like this is a regular occurrence, at least in my life. This year has been one of EXTREME highs and lows for our family. Every time we think we are in a safe and stable place, a new and even larger wave makes its appearance on the horizon. Sometimes, no, most times, its not even in the distance. Nope. Most of the time it is a massive rogue wave that is somehow already there, crashing down and sending everyone and everything into a dizzying plummet with no foreseeable end.
In this Together
We all know terrible disappointments, setbacks, failures. Unfortunately, we know plans that fall through and people who betray our trust. We live in a world that threatens to eat us alive most days.
All I want is the ability to stop worrying about it all.
But, is that even possible?
Stability. Safety. That little bit of comfort to help you know that, somehow, everything’s going to be all right.
Is it too much to ask?
Sometimes it would seem so.
But, we don’t have time or energy to waste on things that are outside of our control.
These are the moments in which we must choose to trust.
Unfortunately, Trust isn’t Automatic
We must CHOOSE to Trust!
So, here are 5 practical ways to make this choice to trust just a little easier even when life looks bleakest:
1) Prayer and reflection
We must develop and rely on our relationship with God. Get to KNOW Him in whom you place your trust.
Reaffirm your faith that He indeed is trustworthy and truly has your best interests at heart.
Remember, Peter walked on water (Matthew 14:22-23) even when it was stormy.
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2) Gratitude
Count your blessings. Remember His faithfulness in the past.
Make regular Gratitude lists and keep them visible throughout your day. Add to them each time you think of something else you can be grateful for. Challenge yourself to think of 3-10 things every day (pick a number before you start – obviously, the more the better, but be realistic at first). If you are more of a support group kind of person, find a gratitude challenge on social media and participate – or mention 2-3 things in the comments below!
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3) Acceptance
Accept your situation. Stop fighting it and trying to understand why. Stop complaining about it. Instead, think to yourself of what you might be able to learn from whatever you are going through.
Maybe, just maybe, you just can’t yet see the good that can come out of your situation. Understanding will come in time.
4) Surrender
This step is very similar to acceptance, but more practical in its application. Acceptance is more passive, whereas surrender is more proactive.
In this step you begin to list the actual, highly specific, things you are struggling with – your child’s disability, a chronic illness, a marital struggle, a loved one’s addiction, etc… Get very detailed. Why exactly do you struggle with your child’s disability? Do you struggle with it because they struggle in school, or because it makes it harder for you to love them? Are you embarrassed by them? or are you struggling because THEY are hurting? What about your marriage is hard? Don’t just say “my marriage”, say my husband’s eating/sleeping/entertainment habits, etc. In the case of an addiction, you may have concerns about health, safety, finances, or even relationships. Try to figure out what exactly is bothering you.
Specifically enumerate the things you can’t control that are weighing you down.
Then, pray the Surrender Prayer (Adapted from Don Dolindo’s)
“Dear Jesus, I surrender ______________ to you. Take care of everything.”
Name each worry you have in the blank. One at a time. Be very specific and state every little element of your fears. I often find it helpful even to write them down. Do it as many times as necessary – whether it is 2 times, 5 times, or 25 times – and do it as often as you need – repeat this process at least once per day for a minimum of 9 days to give you heart a chance to catch up with your resolve). Close with “Dear Jesus, I surrender all to you. Take care of everything.”
5) Choose Trust
Sometimes, we think trust is a feeling, but no, much like love, trust is not a feeling, it is a decision.
Be Still and Know that I am God – Psalm 46:10
All will be well.
Now all we have to do is act like we believe this. How would you behave if you were no longer worried? Do that.
Smile.
If you are still struggling, listen to some uplifting music and press on with what you CAN control. Take on simple tasks like cleaning and busy work with gusto and simply wait for the answers you seek. They will come, in His perfect time!
Living Unshakable Trust
This does not mean that there will be no more waves, that everything will magically somehow, all of a sudden, always be perfect, or even that things will start to “go our way”…. Like ever.
What it does mean is that we will begin to have the courage to go on despite setbacks. Now no obstacle has the power to stand in our way.
Peace is possible amidst the chaos and God will do great things for you… for Holy is His name (Luke 1:49)!
~Blessings Always!
Carolyn <3
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