Here we are, midway through January and forging ahead into 2023. Some of our resolutions may already be dangling by a thread, but God has a word for each of us to carry into this new year.

Trust.

The dictionary defines trust as, “a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something.” As believers, we know this word and we know that we’re instructed to trust our Heavenly Father. But it’s a trait we don’t come by easily.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” It’s a simple verse to commit to memory, but living it requires a bit more effort, doesn’t it?

 

We all have impending fears of what this year may hold, but when we intentionally choose to relinquish our anxieties to our Heavenly Father who always has our best interest at heart, He will give us all that we need for whatever comes our way.

 

It’s human nature to want control over situations—especially for us as women. May I share a simple illustration with you?  The Lord often brings me back to this as a reminder to exchange my worries for the peace that comes from trusting Him.

 

Now, I am not a knitter—not even in the remotest sense of the word. However, I do recall (back in the day when high schools offered home economics classes) being taught the basics. Every project began with casting on stitches and a certain amount of tension was necessary to hold the yarn firmly so the finished work would be consistent and durable. Also, it was vital to learn how to cast off stitches when finishing the edge of a knitted item. If you pulled the needle out without this crucial step, the project would completely unravel. All the laborious hours spent knitting something beautiful would be undone!

 

The Lord is always giving us lessons in trust and how to rely on His faithfulness to complete the work He is doing in us. I see it as this blanket in the process of being knitted—a pattern He is intricately weaving with every stitch. We don’t yet see the finished work, but He does!

 

I have learned that in order to have the peace that surpasses understanding, I need to say, “Lord, here I am with all of my concerns and cares.” I can trust Him with all the threads of my life knowing they serve His purposes for me. I need to remember that He holds every thread in perfect tension, so the finished work of my faith will be consistent and durable.

 

What happens when we try to take hold of the strings? It might be saying a cross word to someone or making a rash decision to cast off a certain situation we’re eager to be done with. It may simply be thinking, “I can handle this on my own.” In the Lord’s hands, every care is held in perfect tension. In our own hand, they’re apt to be tangled—even yanked—and we can unravel what the Lord is doing behind the scenes.

 

I have learned that when things aren’t going my way, my attempt to control is apt to create even more anxiety or fear in my heart. How much better it is to give it all to Him, no strings attached. Believe it or not, God does not need our help—He simply wants our cooperation.

 

Our good Father is reliable, He is trustworthy, and He is able. He loves us!

 

Perhaps you find yourself anxious or worried today, fearful that some aspect of life is about to unravel. May I gently remind you to offer it all to the Lord. Your prayers may take days, weeks, or even months to be answered, but God is the author of life—and if He can speak the earth into existence with a word, imagine what He can do with your situation, in accordance with His will.

 

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11