Scripture: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33
Observation: Jesus is preaching to a multitude, describing the truth that God takes care of every need of His creation. From the feeding of the birds to the growing of grass to the care of His children, it is all in the hand of the Lord. Therefore, He teaches that we should seek a relationship with God before anything else, thereby developing a deep and abiding trust in Him for all things.
Application: Learning to let God lead revolves around trusting Him in everything, and to do that, it is necessary to let go of the “need” to be in control. Taking control to meet every need or desire in one’s life fosters a false sense of security, believing that inner peace will come from one’s own actions. For example, when one has enough money to pay bills plus a little more stashed away “just in case”, or when the career path you’ve chosen has all of its “p’s and q’s” in order and is proceeding according to your plan, or when taking your own advice seems to promote reaching specific goals, one is attempting to achieve something only God can provide, and that is peace in the soul. Are these things wrong to do? Absolutely not… unless it takes away your trust in God and places it in your own hands!
Trusting God cultivates a sweet peace in your heart and soul regardless of circumstances. When things don’t work out as you had hoped and obstacles block the way, true peace doesn’t disappear if your trust is placed in the One who controls all things. Having said that, it is important to remember that in our humanity worries and anxieties often poke their heads into our psyche and mess with our mental and emotional well-being. Perfectly normal! How can I say that if I’m a Christian? Shouldn’t I be totally at ease with whatever happens? That would be great if it were true, but it’s not. However, as a Christian, I know where to go to remind myself that God is with me, and He can handle anything that life throws at me. That brings comfort and peace to my mind, heart, and soul.
His Word is my anchor to His peace that truly passes my human understanding (Philippians 4:7). In fact, God often allows unexpected things to happen in my life for reasons known only to Him. It is His Word that reminds me that everything He does is good. Psalm 34:8 states, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” I may not see it at the time, but I know His Word is true, and I can trust Him for the outcome of any untoward situation in my life.
Lastly, learning to let God lead is not easy, but when I trust Him to be in control, I can also trust the outcome to be the very best for me. His Word tells me that there is nothing that God cannot handle! He promises to meet my every need and then some! Philippians 4:19 states, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”, and Jesus said in John 10:10, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” My life’s story may have its ups and down, but I know that whatever happens along the way, my story is guaranteed a happy ending and that gives me great peace!
Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. To have it in my hands is such a rich blessing. It holds all the answers to my questions, and as I read it, I am grateful that Your Spirit opens my mind to understanding. Help my faith to increase, and also my trust in You. May this coming year find me more and more able to “let go and let God” in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
All the way my Savior leads me, what have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt his tender mercy, Who thru’ life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus fashions all things well.
All the way my Savior leads me, cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for ev’ry trial, feeds me with the living Bread.
Tho’ my weary steps may falter, and my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, lo! A spring of joy I see.
(from “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” by Fanny Crosby)
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“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” – Psalm 25:5