Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 12, 2017
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Each morning, I wake and head to the kitchen where I make a pot of java. And each morning, I read the quote on the spoon rest next to the coffee pot: “Trust Me. I will provide all your needs.”
One morning as my eyes fell on those words, I was reminded that for the believer in Christ who wants to experience the fullness of the peace God promises, there are really only two choices: trust or torment. We must ask ourselves, “Will I rely on God, choosing to believe He can be trusted with all I don’t understand and the concerns that consume my thoughts, or will I choose not to believe and trust Him?” The first choice will bring rest and peace. The latter will only bring emotional and spiritual torment. Isaiah 30:15 says. . .
“. . .in quietness and confidence is your strength. . .”
The one who chooses belief and trust experiences a confidence and quietness of spirit. They know the peace comes only from choosing to believe. The one who chooses not to believe and not to trust their Lord experiences a lack of confidence, and chaos overtakes their spirit. “What will happen now?” “Oh no! Awful things are going to happen; I just know it!” “How horrible! What am I going to do?” In this there is torment.
Belief and trust go together like two peas in a pod and their result is peace. And, they are indeed chosen because life will always give you many reasons not to trust. It seems that every day life experiences invite us to unbelief, to focus on what’s going wrong and to look to the future in fear.
When I look back on my own journey of faith, during those seasons when I have experienced peace, they have been times when I have agreed with God; I have believed and trusted Him. Times when I have experienced internal torment have always been a result of unbelief and a lack of trust. Granted, it’s not always easy to believe and trust, but we can choose both through a deliberate act of the will—even moment by moment.
What will you choose this moment? What will you choose this day, this week, this month, this year? Will you determine to believe and trust the One who loves you so much that He came into this world as a baby and then died for you?
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
Prayer
Lord, even during those times when it doesn’t make sense, I choose to believe and trust you. I choose to believe and trust you even today with all that concerns me. You are able to handle all things in my life and I know you love me. Thank you, Lord. Amen.Application
Look up as many scriptures as you can find today on trusting God and record your insights in your favorite notebook or journal.Related Reading
Isaiah 32:17; John 5:40; Philippians 4:7; John 14:27Post/Tweet today
Belief and trust in Jesus experiences a confidence and quietness of spirit. #WisdomHunters #TrustNotTormentWorship Resource
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I believe what this author has said about trusting Jesus. I also believe what she didn’t say but wish she had, for the sake of believers who don’t know. To trust Jesus doesn’t mean to trust that He will not allow painful things to happen to us. He most certainly will not prevent sad and painful things, at times. But rather, He can be trusted to give us the help to get through those things and it will change us and benefit us on the other side of those seasons of suffering, when they come. Because He loves me so much and He has control of the world, I can trust that He has my good in mind, even when bad things happen. And many of my worries never come to pass, which is why we are commanded not to worry but to tell God about our anxieties.
Yes, we must trust God. But the practical explanation for that is to believe God is always good, holy and sovereign over all things. therefore, I can tell Him my worries and trust that He will take care of me because He is for me and sees the long range plan for my life. Now that’s peaceful thinking!
Dear Angie,
Thank you for your response to “How Belief and Trust Lead to Peace”. Your comments, along with Shana’s devotional, are such powerful reminders of the the importance of truly trusting in our Heavenly Father. Trusting and Believing! You summed it up beautifully when you said, “Because He loves me so much and He has control of the world, I can trust that He has my good in mind, even when bad things happen”. Amen and Amen. Wow, what Peace and Calm come to those of us that believe that!
Thank you again, Angie. We are so thankful for your heartfelt comments.
I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Rejoicing in the Savior,
Gwynne
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11