‘TRUST’ IN THE NEW YEAR

The only light in the room came from the dim orange glow from my salt lamp. And as the clock ticked closer to midnight, I sat on the floor of my bedroom with my back pressed against the closet door staring up at the ceiling. In my youth, New Years Eve was all about finding the best party or club to ring it the new year. Now, I want nothing to do with parties, clubs or anything of the sorts. I like the quiet moments, I like to reflect. Age and a little wisdom certainly changes one’s perspective.

As I sat there and watched the clock on my phone usher in 2020, a question popped in my head. Was 2019 the best year I’ve ever had? And the answer was a resounding no. And in that moment something dawned on me or perhaps…was being revealed to me by my Heavenly Father. Was it possible the reason I haven’t been living a victorious life been because I hadn’t really been trusting God? Sure, I say I trust God, but do I really? How many sleepless nights have I had because I was worried about something? How many times did I try to make something happen on my own because God seemed slow in responding? How many times did I have a backup plan, you know, just in case God didn’t show up? Most of 2019, and perhaps most of the past several years, could be summed up by the truth that I spent more time saying I trust God than I actually spent trusting God. And could this be the reason why I’m missing out on all the wonderful things God has for me like hope, peace, joy, an abundant life, love? Maybe not trusting God 100% of the time is no different than simply not trusting Him at all.

I know it may seem like I’m aiming for an unrealistic goal of trusting God 100% of the time. And you’re certainly free to have your opinion on that. But I would disagree with you and let me explain why. How healthy of a relationship would you have if you didn’t trust your significant other 100% of the time? How would they feel if they knew you didn’t trust them 100% of the time? Since a lack of trust between humans causes distance and disruption in a relationship, don’t you suppose a lack of trust does the same in our relationship with God?

The Bible is filled with many of God’s promises but we’ll never be able to take hold of them without the foundational truth that God can be trusted, always.

God’s word says:

He loves us (John 3:16)

He is faithful to us (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

He wants us to have joy (John 15:11)

He protects us (Psalm 91:4)

He desires for us to have a great life (John 10:10)

That He helps us in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1)

He has plans to give us hope and a bright future (Jeremiah 29:11)

Not to worry (1 Peter: 5-7)

I want my 2020 to be the most amazing year I’ve ever had. But do I trust God 100% and am I willing to take hold of His promises in order to make that happen? Am I willing to step outside of my comfort zone and enter the realm of the unknown? I know it’s time and the only way for me to truly experience real joy in this life is to trust my Heavenly Father all the way, even when it seems foolish in the eyes of the world. It means no more hedging my bets, no more backup plans, no more worrying about my anxiety or stomach issues….or anything for that matter. It’s time for me to heed the words of Jesus, who says in Mathew 6:25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?”

Maybe you’re reading this and you can relate to some of the things I’ve written about or you simply want more out of your relationship with God. Let me encourage you to make 2020 the year you seek God with all of your heart. I stated at the beginning of this article that age and a little wisdom changes one’s perspective but I was wrong. The truth is this: Age and godly wisdom changes one’s perspective.

 † let the light in †