Writing On Eagles Wings

Scripture: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Observation: This book, thought to have been written by Solomon, explores the meaning of life. Ultimately, the writer states that the meaning of life is found in God. By having a reverential fear of God and obeying His Word, we will find the true meaning of and satisfaction in our lives.

Application: Letting God lead works great when things are progressing along as we desire, but when things don’t go as planned, we often take matters into our own hands. Often, when we yank the reins from God’s hands and assume control, we aren’t even aware of what we are doing! Truly if someone were to say to me, “Hey, you took control away from God!”, I’d be shaking my head in disbelief. Surely, I wouldn’t try to usurp God’s control… or would I?

It’s important to remember a few key things about God and about ourselves. First, God’s ways are beyond our comprehension. Isaiah 55:9 records God’s words, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God acts according to His time table, and it is the perfect time table. Nothing happens too soon or too late in God’s plan, but most of the time, my schedule doesn’t sync with the Lord’s. When I want something, I usually want it immediately, and then when I rush things, they don’t always end up well.

Secondly, I’m definitely not as smart as I’d like to think I am. 1 Corinthians 8:2 confirms this, “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” It is much wiser to trust the plan to the One who knows it all! My vision is very limited, but God sees the big picture. He knows what is best, when it is best, and how best to allow events to come to fruition. To trust myself over Him is pure foolishness on my part.

Lastly, we are all here for a specific purpose that God has for each one of us. In Jeremiah 29:11, God states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” He has a perfect plan for me and for you, and He has a perfect time for everything in our lives… everything! We need to trust God’s timing as He leads us through our lives.

We are each in a certain season of our lives, and it is vital that we allow God to lead us if we want to successfully navigate through it. Let’s be sure to let God take the lead, and purpose in our hearts to follow Him as closely as we possibly can this year.

Prayer: Dearest Father, how great Thou art! I am amazed that You think so much of me and have a perfect plan for me! Please help me surrender my will to You and follow You all the days of my life. Help me to trust You more and more each day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

In his time, in his time, He makes all things beautiful in his time
Lord please show me everyday, as you're teaching me your way
That you do just what you say in your time

In your time, in your time. You make all things beautiful in your time
Lord my life to you I bring, may each song I have to sing
Be to you a lovely thing in your time

Lord please show me everyday as you’re teaching me your way
That you do just what you say in your time

(from “In His Time” by Linda Diane Ball)

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“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” – Habakkuk 2:3

Scripture: “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.” – Micah 7:7

Observation: Like most of the prophets, Micah is grieved over the sins of the people, but realizes that deliverance comes from God, and He will be faithful to do so in His time. Micah is writing during a time when the threat of the neighboring Assyrians looms over them.

Application: There seems to be a common thread between both Christians and non-believers. That is, when danger is imminent, both groups turn to God for their salvation! I have several acquaintances, who don’t have any interest in God, that come to me asking for me to intercede for them in prayer when trouble rises. The same holds true for believers who find themselves following their own desires over those of God’s. When struggles become overwhelming, both groups know where to find their help and deliverance, no matter how much they insist they don’t need Him.

Letting God lead should never be a last resort, but I sometimes find myself in that exact situation. Most likely, being in control will be a struggle for me all my life, but I am more aware of it now than I was in years gone by. As I study more of the Scriptures and work to align my life more with that of Jesus, I tend to pay a little more attention to the Holy Spirit, and I am more apt to let go of the reins and let God lead me, but I’m still a work in progress and have a long way to go (Philippians 1:6).

It is amazing to think that the majority of us, Christians and non-Christians alike, believe deep down in our hearts that  God knows what is best, is all-powerful, can do anything, and never makes a mistake, yet we still insist on our own ways before we turn to Him! As God often says in His Word, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” (Acts 7:51)

The good news is that God is a forgiving God. Psalm 86:5 states, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” He truly is the One who saves, delivers, and heals!! He is long-suffering, and patiently waits for His children to return to Him, even if it is again and again and again! God described Himself to Moses thusly, “…The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (Exodus 34:6-7).

When we finally accept that the best leader we could ever follow is God, He is ready to take that responsibility from us and lead us in the paths He has chosen for us. Proverbs 16:9 states, “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” It is reassuring that a Christian can only wander away so far before God pulls Him back on the right path. In John 10:28, Jesus affirmed, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” God only allows us to go so far before intervening. However, it is much better to return sooner than later and not experience God’s discipline. Procrastination is not our friend when it comes to choosing God’s ways. However, when God does find the need to chasten us, we must remember that it is because we belong to Him, and He loves us. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth…” (Hebrews 12:6).

Let us endeavor to make 2026 the year we let God lead us rather than wait until we find ourselves so far from His will that the Lord has to intervene to admonish us in our folly.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for leading me even when I’ve been resistant. Help me to follow You every day in every situation. Please order my steps that I may walk worthy of what You’ve called me to do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling, "Come, follow Me!"
And we see where Thy footprints falling, lead us to Thee.

Footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow;
we will follow the steps of Jesus where’er they go.

(from “Footprints of Jesus” by M. B. C. Slade)

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“Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”- Isaiah 48:17

Scripture: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” – Isaiah 30:21

Observation: Isaiah is writing during the Babylonian exile to those in captivity. He is reminding them of the promises of God and providing comfort during a very difficult time in Israel’s history. Throughout the book, Isaiah writes about sin and its judgment, the holiness of God, and the promise of a coming Messiah.

Application: I remember attempting to walk through a corn maze with my grandson one year during a visit to his home. I thought, “I can do this!” After 30 minutes or so I would have given anything for someone to come and take me by the hand and lead me out. Even when we passed a familiar stalk (or so I thought), we was still hopelessly lost. Finally, we made an illegal move… we veered off the path and cut through the stalks to the edge of the field. I was never so glad to be out of that maze!

Life is often like that when I take the lead, choosing to forge on ahead without seeking God’s guidance. It is hard to admit that even when I know the Holy Spirit is whispering to my heart about which direction to go, I stubbornly think, “I can do this!” Then, before I know it, I am hopelessly lost in a situation that is way beyond my control. My only recourse is to cry out to God for rescue!

One thing that is so difficult to understand is that I KNOW God’s ways are best, yet I still choose to veer off His path and venture out on my own, frequently discovering that my plan does not lead to what I had hoped it would. Being lost is a frightening realization.

I am reminded of the wandering sheep in Luke 15. It ambled off, became lost in the hills, and in its despair and fright, cried out for the Shepherd, who came to the rescue. As my Shepherd, Jesus watches over me, and when I meander off on my own into sinful situations, He comes for me the moment I cry out for His help. He  He is quick to forgive, rebuild the broken relationship, and restore the sweet fellowship from which I walked away.

It is wise to let Jesus lead us along His straight and narrow paths of righteousness. That is where we are safe, cared for, and nurtured. Let’s make 2026, the year of letting God lead by staying close to Jesus, the Shepherd of our souls.

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, my Good Shepherd, keep me close to You all the time. When I stray, bring me back into Your fold by Your sweet mercy and grace. Thank You for always being faithful to protect and care for me. In Your  name, I pray. Amen.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, do Thou befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, hear, O hear us when we pray.

(from “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” by Dorothy Thrupp & Henry Lyte)

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“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” – John 10:27

Scripture: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:19

Observation: This is such a powerful chapter that Isaiah was inspired to write. God is reminding His people who He is! No matter what they had faced, God had always delivered them. Here, the reminder is that God continues to be the Saviour of His people even when they continually sin against Him. God was always there, ready to forgive and restore.

Application: I was recently reminded that when God forgives us, it is a forever forgiveness. The Bible tells us that when God forgives, all of our sins are cast “into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19), and that He “… will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34).

Sometimes we don’t let God forgive! In truth, we can’t stop God from forgiving us when we ask, but there are times we hold on to the sin we’ve sought forgiveness for and repeatedly go back to Him again and again asking for the same forgiveness for the same sin. His Word tell us in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The truth is that once I ask Him to forgive me, He does exactly that. It’s a done deal!

So why do we repeatedly ask God to forgive us for something we’ve already brought to Him? We seek the alleviation of the guilt that accompanies sin. Unfortunately, sin has its consequences even when forgiven, and one of those consequences is guilt. Just because we are forgiven doesn’t mean the guilt automatically disappears. When the guilt resurfaces, we feel compelled to seek forgiveness for that sin again because we think if we feel bad, we must not have been forgiven. But the truth is… God forgave the moment we asked, AND He has FORGOTTEN those sins. We must hold on to the truth of God’s Word and remember that God never does anything half-way! When He forgives, we are 100% forgiven!

When an individual asks Jesus to forgive their sins and become their Lord and Saviour, He makes that person new in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” We may look the same on the outside, but inward, we are changed! Our hearts begin to align with God’s heart, and we have a different perspective when it comes to sin. We begin to understand that sin, no matter how “harmless” it may seem, can have consequences that endanger us, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This helps us strive to avoid sin… to take the way of escape that God always provides. 1 Corinthians 10:13 confirms this, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” The more we learn and apply God’s Word to our lives, the closer we become to being a person “after God’s own heart”.

As we study the Bible, we’ll find verse after verse about the joys of salvation and God’s forgiveness. Psalm 103:12 states, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Let us not wallow in the sins of our past. They are gone, washed away by the blood of Christ.

Let God lead you this year on a new path… the path of assurance that your sins have been forgiven once and for all! With that blessed assurance, we can move forward in 2026 learning more about Him, growing more in our own walk with Him, and sharing Him with others!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance that when You forgive, I am truly forgiven! Thank You that Jesus paid for my sins on the cross, and I am a recipient of His salvation and Your gift of everlasting life! It’s good to be a child of God! In Jesus’ name, I pray! Amen!

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

(from “Blessed Assurance” by Fanny Crosby)

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“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.” – Isaiah 43:18

Scripture:  “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” – Psalm 40:3

Observation: There is a great consistency in the writings of David. Whenever he finds himself in undesirable or dangerous situations, after he pours out his heart, he always returns to the truth that God loves him and will take care of him. It is understandable why God refers to David as “a man after mine own heart” (Acts 13:22).

Application: Letting God lead doesn’t always refer to giving up personal control over situations. Sometimes it refers to releasing something that is harmful to our spiritual lives and choosing to follow what God says in His Word. Sometimes we insist that we are justified with feelings such as bitterness, anger, etc., but Jeremiah tells us “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (17:9). The Bible also cautions against harboring these types of feelings as well. Here are four of those warnings.

• Bitterness
  • “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” – Hebrews 12:15
• Jealousy
  • “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” – James 3:16
• Anger
  • “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9
• Hatred
  • “He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;” – Proverbs 26:24

By clinging to these types of negative emotions, we are choosing to follow our own hearts instead of God’s. We risk damaging our walk with God, destroying our testimony to others, and diminishing our own faith. So what can we do? Here are some practical solutions from the Scriptures.

• “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” _ Proverbs 4:23
  • Our thoughts and emotions shape our actions and influence our lives greatly. Focus your heart on things that are positive, edifying to your soul, and glorifying to God.
• “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
  • Our minds can fabricate lies that prohibit us from serving God and destroying our walk with Christ. Be aware of these types of thoughts and do not allow them to settle in your heart. Identify them for what they are and replace them with what you know is true.
• “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8
  • Focus on those things that you know are true instead of speculating on the “what-ifs”, “I think…”, or “I feel…”  Speculation is often the root of those negative thoughts; our minds seem to delight in building “mountains out of mole hills”!

This year, let God lead you through His Word because, unlike our hearts, it never deceives; it never leads you astray, and it never disappoints. Colossians 3:16 states, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Because the Bible is completely trustworthy, when we follow it, we will be rewarded with the peace of God. Philippians 4:7 promises, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  

Make 2026 the year of letting God lead and keeping your thoughts focused on the truths of His Word!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the truth of Your Word. Please help me follow You each day, getting rid of the negativity in my heart and replacing it with Your love. Help me to meditate on the verses that will encourage me and enable me to serve You better. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Change my heart, O God, make it ever true;
Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.

You are the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.

Change my heart, O God, make it ever true;
Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.

(from “Change My Heart, O God” by Eddie Espinosa)

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“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32

Scripture: “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” – Lamentations 3:26

Observation: The beginning of this chapter finds Jeremiah in misery. He feels that God has led him into a very dark place and no longer hears his prayers. However, in this time of despair, the prophet does remember that God is faithful. He realizes that the sins of the people are responsible for their situations, and if they trust in God and wait for Him to act, He will save His people.

Application: “Lord, give me patience right now!” is often joked about, but truthfully, I know I have prayed this a couple of times! When things don’t happen as quickly as I’d like, I have a tendency to find a way to expedite the matter to get the results I want. Unfortunately, when I jump in and manipulate things to hasten the outcome, the results are not always the best nor what I had wanted. I so need to learn how to wait!!

The importance of waiting on the Lord is explained in many verses in the Bible, but waiting is never easy. Why not? Waiting involves trusting God and allowing Him to take the lead. But while it may be hard to learn, here are four amazing benefits that come from waiting on the Lord:

1. Psalm 27:14 – “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
   1. Our heart will be strengthened…not our physical heart, but our spiritual heart. As we search for understanding in His Word, we read about the promises He has already fulfilled and gain confidence that He will do the same for us in His time. Depending on and waiting for God to act grows our faith.
2. Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
   1. Our spiritual strength will be renewed as our faith and trust is cultivated by waiting for God to respond. Instead of having a faith that wanes, we find our faith strengthened and renewed as we anticipate God’s deliverance of whatever we face in life. We know that God is unchanging, and in His Word, we see God’s faithfulness time and time again. We have no reason to doubt Him; we just need to let Him lead and trust Him for all outcomes.
3. Isaiah 30:18 – “And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.”
   1. God’s timing can seem like He doesn’t care, but the exact opposite is true! Here, we read that sometimes God waits so He CAN be gracious to us!! When He demonstrates His grace and mercy in our lives, we are blessed and as a result, we praise Him and exalt His name!
4. Galatians 5:5 – “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.”
   1. It is interesting to note that it is by His power that we are enabled to wait for His responses!! The Spirit of God empowers us to trust His Word and wait on the Lord to act. Our hope of His righteousness being imputed to us happens when we accept Christ’s forgiveness, and then when we pray, we wait, knowing that God will act righteously and faithfully according to His perfect time and perfect will.

Today’s verse reminds us that sometimes we must wait for God to deliver us from hardships and struggles in life, but He is faithful to do so. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 confirms this, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” Remember, Jesus asked us to be followers of Him, not the other way around. As we learn to wait and trust, we are also learning to let God lead. Lamentations 3:25 is an encouragement to all of us on this journey, “The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.” Let us determine in 2026, to “let go and let God”!

Prayer: Dearest Father, thank You for showing me the need to wait on You. Please help me to learn how to do that. Help me to remember that Your ways are so much higher than mine, and help me to trust You for all things, even the ones that require me to wait! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

God picked up a sparrow that could no longer fly
He brushed off its wounds and then watched it soar into the sky
If He's mindful of creation, on this I can depend
I am His child and I can place all my trust in Him

I can trust Jesus, I can trust Jesus
He never once has failed to meet my needs
He is my strong tower, the strength in my weakest hour
I can trust Jesus, He takes care of me

(from “I Can Trust Jesus” by Gerald Crabb)

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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

Scripture: “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” – Psalm 37:5

Observation: This is a psalm authored by David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It speaks to trusting God even when facing one’s enemies. They will be powerless when up against the almighty God of heaven. David writes about the futility of those who seek to do evil as God is always the victor. He includes a simple way for believers to allow God to take the lead in their lives.

Application: Since I have retired, my husband and I have discovered the joys of traveling, but visiting a foreign country and not knowing the language can be a bit daunting. In these situations, we usually join a tour and find the guides’ knowledge of the culture, including best eateries and attractions, a wonderful way to meander through a new locale. Not to mention, it gives us a sense of safety knowing the guide knows where we are going, the best routes to get there, and how to avoid any obstacles along the way. Plus, the likelihood of getting lost is not a concern for us! It allows us time to enjoy the sites and each other’s company even more!

Life is like that. When we take the lead, we have so much more to pay attention to that we miss so many wonderful moments. It seems like the possible problems cloud our minds as we try to figure out how to circumvent them even before they occur! I remember wondering once how I would pay for certain medical expenses. I thought about getting a second job (not the best choice for a septuagenarian!), how to juggle payments, etc., how to cut back on spending… and I couldn’t find a way. Guess what? God provided the extra finances in such a miraculous way!

Although He can handle anything, our Lord is a true gentleman and will not impose Himself upon us. He waits for our invitation to take charge of our lives. When I think about God and realize that He has every resource at His beck and call, and that He wants to bless us beyond our wildest dreams, I wonder why I struggle with trying to be in control of everything. I struggle because it’s hard to surrender control, but Scripture provides the answers in how to give control back to God.

In addition to today’s verse, here are three additional ways the Bible provides to enable us to let God take the lead.

• Trust in Him
  • “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” (37:3)
• Delight in Him
  • “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (37:4)
• Rest in Him
  • “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” (37:7)

God is always faithful to His Word. If He said it, He will do it. When we allow God to lead, we acknowledge three important things.

1. He knows the way.
   1. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6
2. He knows the obstacles to avoid.
   1. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. He knows how to help us enjoy the life He’s give us.
   1. “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10

God is the best tour guide we can have as we travel through life. Why not let Him lead you today?

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Shepherd. Thank You for helping me through life… leading me to green pastures, still waters, and the paths of righteousness! Thank You for Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me, and when I go astray, You always come for me, bringing me back into Your fold. I am so grateful for Your love! Help me to please You in all I say and do each day, and help me point others to You! In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

(from “Living for Jesus” by Thomas O. Chisholm)

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“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” – Psalm 37:23

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

Scripture: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Observation: This chapter of Jeremiah details the information the prophet sent to those in captivity. He explains that the Lord has instructed the captives to establish their homes and families while in Babylon as their time there will be 70 years. He goes on to reassure them that God has a plan for their lives, and He will bring it to pass in His time.

Application: Once I get into a book, I’m one of those readers who often flips to the last chapter to read how the story ends. I don’t like not knowing what’s going to happen! I want to be assured that the tale has a happy ending, or more correctly, I want to know it ends the way I want it to end. Sometimes people feel the same way about life.

Without knowing how certain situations will culminate often causes increased worry and anxiety in many people. While some can “go with the flow”, others feel an intense need to manipulate circumstances to influence the desired results. Trusting God for the outcomes never enters into the equation for those who take matters into their own hands. They feel a need to be in control of life, to manage its ups and downs and maneuver all factors to generate the coveted resolution. Trusting in ourselves for matters that belong in God’s hands is never wise.

The Bible has many examples of individuals who trusted God even when they could not read the last page of their story. For example, when God told Abraham (Abram) to leave his home for a new land, He didn’t lay out the plan He had for Abraham, He simply told him to pack up and move. Genesis 12:4 records Abraham’s response, “So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him…”

Another example is Mary, the mother of Jesus. When she received the incredible message from the angel Gabriel that she would be the mother of God’s Son, she didn’t conceive a plan to convince Joseph, her family, or friends of what she had been told to protect her reputation, instead, she trusted God. Luke 1:38 tells Mary’s response, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

When we place our complete trust in God, we don’t need to see the “big picture”. We simply choose to live day-by-day, sometimes step-by-step, with the faith that the Lord will lead us, protect us, deliver us, etc., and accomplish His perfect will for our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 speaks of God when it states, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” Trusting God for all things takes time to become part of our normal response to any situation. To grow trust, we must increase our faith. To grow faith, we must apply ourselves to prayer, Bible study, and quiet time with God as He speaks to us through His Word. As we make time in 2026 to spend time with One who loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) and sacrificed Himself to have a forever relationship with us (Galatians 2:20), our trust in Him will also grow. Wouldn’t you agree that spending more quality time with God would be a great resolution for the new year?

Prayer: Dearest Father in heaven, God of all wisdom, Living Word, how great is Your faithfulness! Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being my Shepherd, leading me daily to those green pastures and still waters, and to the paths of righteousness. Thank You for so gently correcting me when I make wrong choices and restoring my soul! I am so blessed to be Your child! Help me to trust You more each day; grow my faith through Your Word. I praise You for Your goodness to me, but even more for just who You are! In Jesus’ precious and most holy name, I pray. Amen.

Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

(from “Trusting Jesus” by Edgar Page)

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“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

The old adage of “let go and let God” is a difficult concept for many people to put into action. The obstacles to this often originate from a struggle to trust God more than ourselves (which we all experience at one time or another). The need to be the one  in control can be a subconscious attempt to lessen fears and anxieties. It could be a problem with pride, where one feels great satisfaction from being in control and manipulating situations or individuals for a specific outcome. There are many other possibilities for wanting to be the one in control, but for Christians, control issues often stem from a reliance upon oneself rather than upon God. Bearing this in mind, January’s devotions will focus on developing more trust in God’s abilities to lead us in our lives and relinquishing our control to the One who controls all.

Scripture: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Observation: The majority of the proverbs were written by the wisest king to his son. Here, Solomon is advising his son to place his faith and trust in God, who will provide direction throughout one’s life.

Application: Trust is defined as the unshakeable faith and reliability on someone or something. Therefore, trusting God would be placing our complete faith in Him for everything in our lives. So easily said; so hard to do! Our first verse for the new year is a very familiar verse to many. We’ve read it numerous times, even nodding our heads in agreement, but do we really practice it? I know I struggle with the “… with all thine heart…” and “In all thy ways…” parts. Somehow, it is easier to trust God for the big things in our lives than the little day-to-day things. Here are a few things in which it is easy to trust God.

• We trust God for our salvation.
  • “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2
• We trust God is with us.
  • “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” – Joshua 1:9
• We trust that Jesus is the Son of God.
  • “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” – 1 John 4:9
• We trust that His Spirit dwells within us.
  • “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” – 1 Corinthians 6:19
• We trust that Jesus will come and take us to be with Him forever.
  • “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

These concepts are HUGE foundations of our faith. It seems there are very few if any issues in trusting God for these things, but the little things are the struggles for so many of us. Surrendering all of our trust to God is not a simple New Year’s resolution. It is a lifelong process that involves prayer, Bible study, and listening to His Spirit every day. Let’s purpose this year to strive to trust God more in ALL areas of our lives.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am so sorry for being such a “control freak”. Please forgive me. I know I cannot trust You completely overnight, but I am committed to learning to trust You more and more… less of me and more of You! Teach me to rely on You and trust You in every area of my life. I know I am a work in progress, and You will be faithful to complete it! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Be still, my soul! the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! your best, your heav’nly friend
Thru' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul! your God does undertake
To guide the future as he has the past;
Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul! the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he lived below.

(from “Be Still My Soul” by Kathrina von Schlegel)

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“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:” – 2 Corinthians 2:9