I always thought I trusted God. But situations came up that showed me I didn’t really trust Him as much as I thought. Instead, I trusted in others and myself.
For example, years ago when our firstborn left for college, I lamented to my husband, “Now I can’t protect her any more.”
“You never were the one protecting her,” he replied. “God was.”
What? Wasn’t I the one who held her hand as a young child to keep her safe as she crossed the street? And what about the limits I set when she became a teen? I thought I was protecting my daughter. When I realized it was God all along, I knew I could trust Him to continue protecting her when she no longer lived at home. And He did.
Then there was the matter of employment. When my husband was unexpectedly laid off, it felt like a big crisis. We had a family and needed income! I realized I had been trusting in that company to provide for us, not God. But it was God all along. He used that job to provide our financial needs for a time. But when my husband no longer worked there, God found other ways to provide: unexpected gifts of food and money, more education for my husband, and a new career. Another new revelation: God provides, not employers. I needed to trust in God alone.
Matthew 6:25-34 comforted me then and still does. In this passage we’re told not to worry about food, drink, and clothes. Our heavenly Father knows we need them. If God takes care of flowers and birds, He will surely provide for us.
You may not have a child leaving home or an unemployed spouse, but we all face challenges that stretch our trust in God. During hard times, we are forced to throw ourselves on the Lord and find Him trustworthy in new areas. Although people and things disappoint us, God never will. As we live one day at a time, we can encourage ourselves from God’s Word, knowing it won’t change or be impacted by the economy. It’s always the same—rich with wisdom and encouragement.
Now I’m a grandmother and hopefully a little wiser. I know God’s Word is true and that He is faithful. But at times I still struggle to trust Him completely. When my trust wavers, rereading Matthew 6:33 helps to refocus my perspective. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” My part is to seek God, trusting Him to take care of me and of those I love. I’m still learning how.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You know my needs and care about me. Please help me trust You more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
