Trusting Instead

Because you want to trust. Oh, you do. You so want to see Him and rest in Him. And abide. So that you can trust. Because you want to. You know you do.

But how?

When everything falls apart again. When everything only gets harder, not better. And fear creeps in.

So you ask the LORD, “What is it You want me to do? Where is it You want me to be? How is it You want me to live?” But in all of those questionings of what and how and where. In all of your asking, all you hear from Him is, “Do not fear.”

He knows what pulls you from Him and causes you to not trust Him. He knows it is fear. So He calls to you, “Do not fear. Trust instead.”

But is that enough for you?

When it is so hard. When life is so unstable, and you just want answers. When it is so unfair. When life is so chaotic, and you just want order. You find yourself asking, “How, LORD? How do I trust? Show me what to do, where to go, how to live.” Because you want to trust, you do. You so want to, but it is so hard. It is so hard without the answers.

So He keeps calling to you, “Do not fear.”

For He longs to show you how. He does.

He longs to show you just how He really is the way. How He is the only way. He wants you to know Christ Jesus as the only Way. So He calls out to you, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

Jesus is the calm within the storm. The peace within the chaos. The firm foundation within the instability of the unknown and uncertainty. He is. Believe in Him.

And there is a calm in His presence, for He is the One Whom even the wind and the waves obey (Matthew 8:27). There is a firm foundation in His assurance, for He is the One Who never changes (James 1:17). There is a peace in His promises, for He is the very One called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), He is the One Who gives peace beyond all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

For He is able (Hebrews 7:25).

And there, you find yourself on your knees. For there, on your knees of surrender and praise and worship, you see Christ. Because there, on your knees, the storm has lost its grip on you, the chaos has lost its effect, and the unknown has now lost your attention. No more fear within the chaos and unknown. No more fear within the storms.

And instead, you find yourself trusting in Jesus, in His presence and assurance and promises to you.

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“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” - Mark 9:24 ESV

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” - John 14:27 ESV

“…’Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’” - Matthew 14:27 ESV