Text: Ps 119:105; Phil 4:6-7 Date: 18/8/24
Introduction
Last week, we looked at trusting God in difficult times. We encouraged ourselves to trust God at all times. We acknowledged that when we trust God, we will not lean on our own understanding; we will ask God for help; we will follow Him; acknowledge Him; reject other gods; remember Him and at the end, we will be vindicated, flourish and be saved.
The importance of How
Many people focus on what to do and at times why they should do it but give little attention to How it should be done. The “How” is very important in the life of a person.
The Bible encourages us not be hearers only but to do.
James 1:22 -But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (KJV)
Knowing the how is what can make you to do things.
Heb 2:1 -We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. (NIV)
Paying attention is knowing the how and doing it.
How to Trust God
Life is not predictable. There are ups and down along the way. That is why we have to trust God. To trust God is to believe in His reliability, word, ability and strength.
Believe and meditate on the word of God: The Bible is full of God’s promises and examples of His faithfulness. Whatever difficulty you are facing, there is a word for you in the Bible.
Ps 119: 105- Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (KJV)
Regularly meditating on the scripture strengthens our faith.
Prayer: Prayer helps us to shift our problems to God’s power and provision.
Phil 4:6-7- Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(KJV)
There are certain problems that there is nothing you can do physically. What do you do? Pray.
Share your problems and difficulties with someone you trust and know is pursuing a relationship with God regularly and who knows God’s word.
Phil 1:6- Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (KJV)
Do not share your concerns with everyone but find those people who will encourage you and share the truth with you.
Remember God’s past faithfulness: Recall how God helped you in the past.
1 Sam 17: 37- The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (NIV)
Look for things to be grateful for. Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Know that it could have been worse.
Wait upon the Lord: The difficult time will end. Be patient. Persevere. Be resilient. You will bounce back.
Is 40: 31- But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV)
God is faithful. He never fails. If you wait upon Him, He will renew your strength, and you will bounce back.
Challenge
Are you facing difficult times? Do you trust God in these difficult times? Do you believe His word? Do you meditate on the word? Do you take your problems to God in prayer? Do you share your concerns with people who can help you? Can you just remember God’s past faithfulness? Are you willing to wait upon the Lord?
Conclusion
In conclusion, trusting God in difficult times is not just a suggestion; it is an imperative for every believer. Life’s challenges may be unpredictable, but God’s faithfulness is unwavering. We have learnt that to trust God means to rely on His Word, to engage in constant prayer, to seek godly counsel, to remember His past faithfulness, and to wait patiently for His deliverance.
As you face your challenges, remember that God’s promises are sure. His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. When you pray, you are inviting God’s power into your situation, and He is faithful to respond. Surround yourself with those who will encourage you in your faith, and never forget how God has been faithful to you in the past.
The trials you face today are not the end of your story. If you wait upon the Lord, He will renew your strength, and you will rise above your difficulties. Trust in Him completely, and you will see His salvation, His provision, and His peace. Let us commit to trusting God fully, even in the most trying times, knowing that He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Prayer Point
Father, help me to trust you fully