Author: Josiah Seely
In the summer of 2019, I found myself facing my first surgery. I wasn’t okay. The days prior to the surgery, I was not able to relax. The prospect of surgery put me over the edge; I was continually nervous. I should have picked up my Bible and read Proverbs 3:5-6, verses familiar to most of us:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge God and He will make your paths straight.”
During the days leading up to my surgery, I wasn’t trusting God completely. When life goes well, we may forget to rely on God, thinking we have everything under control. Then life, or sometimes God, throws a curveball at us. If our trust is in God, we won’t be shaken. However, many times we are trusting ourselves. Our brain tells us that we’ve got to handle situations alone. That’s a lie. Instead of relying on ourselves, we can and should rely on God.
Trusting God is one thing but trusting him with all your heart is another thing altogether. Do we give God our complete trust, knowing He is in control? Or do we hold back and try to control things ourselves? In every choice we make, in each problem we face, Proverbs tells us to acknowledge God – acknowledge that He is in control and has a wise plan.
Here's one test to find out where your trust is: think back to a recent problem you’ve faced. Maybe it was a sickness, maybe you lost something or maybe someone hurt you. What was your first response? If the first thing you did was to pray and ask God for help, that’s great! However, I’m sure all of us can think of times when we’ve fumed or maybe called a friend instead of going to God in prayer. Having a prayer response to life’s situations, whether good or bad, is a thing we can all improve on. Philippians 4:6-7 leads me to believe it’s the only way to find “the peace that passes all understanding.” Now let’s look at Proverbs 3:7-8:
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
I think it’s interesting in light of our recent study of the book of Job to note that Job 1:1 says that Job was blameless and upright. He feared God and shunned evil, just like Proverbs 3:7 says. However, even though Job feared God and shunned evil, his children, wealth and health were taken from him. Life won’t always be a walk in the park for those who fear God. We live in a fallen, sinful world. However, the obstacles and hardships we face in this life are opportunities for us to give God our complete trust. For believers, the words of Proverbs 3:8 will be realized in the end. Despite our troubles here on earth, one day we will be taken to heaven. There we will have new, healthy bodies.
On the day of my surgery, I prayed with my mom and dad for peace. My surgery was an obstacle God placed in my life. One thing that obstacle did was to help me get my trust back where it should have been all along. As I was being wheeled into the operating room, God’s presence was especially near to me. It was an amazing feeling, because I realized that I couldn’t be afraid even if I tried to! When we place our complete trust in God, we will have peace and joy. We can help others who are afraid and shine bright for Jesus.
Is your trust in God? Trust Him completely today.