Every year I engage either IRL or online with others about the “word” they chose for the year. Christian women especially utilize this practice to help them learn/ focus more in an area they feel God’s leading. And though I definitely see how a focal point can grow faith and understanding, I never felt the urge to participate. Until now…
As I saw blog posts on this topic creeping up around the end of last year, I began questioning whether God had a word for me – for the first time. I initially only entertained this in passing, but the idea stuck around and grew. Two words kept digging into my spirit: Trust and truth. I started praying about whether this idea came from FOMO or the Lord. And I prayed specifically about these two words.
While most bloggers with a “word” posted weeks ago about theirs, I am either slow, hard of listening, or God just had a different timeline for me. As I prayed and mulled over the one word, I’m pretty sure I “heard” the voice of God. “Truth is something you think some of your loved ones need more of. Your struggle is trusting me.” Oh, I don’t want to admit it, but truer words were never spoken.
I have never in my life been less at peace for such a long period of time. And I’ve suffered through cancer, job loss and financial issues. Faith in God has always come easy for me, but trust in the God of the universe to take care of me and my loved ones evades me. It sounds ridiculous to say, but feels very real. If I’m honest, I have trusted more in food, the distraction of TV shows and movies, and shopping to care for and comfort me.
I hate to feel this way in regards to a loving and steadfast God. His track record of faithfulness to me should be enough to sustain me. But as much as I rehearse the miracles and answered prayers, I struggle to overcome the lies of the enemy. My sin nature blocks the forest for the trees. So much so that mini anxiety attacks now plague me. And I don’t want to passively wait for things to get better.
My word for the year, or until God releases me, is TRUST. I spent some time praying and journaling and researching trust. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit I chose a handful of verses to meditate on as I pray for God to change my heart. And in case trust is an issue for you too, I’ll share the scriptures with you.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust Him and He will act.” Psalm 37:5
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. For they will be like a tree planted by the water, that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” Psalm 13:5
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7
Praying that we all put our complete trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
And now for this week’s featured post!
I am still being fed by Food for the Spirit by AnneMarie of busyblessedwomen.com. I think you will be too.
1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.
2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.
3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).
We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.
MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
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HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
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LAUREN SPARKS
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LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
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TRUST is such a great word for 2021 with all its unknowns! Blessings to you as you lean into the lessons it has for you.
Thank you, Michele.
Two words that are beautiful and hard at the same time. God can teach us so much when we but allow Him. I love the verses you have chosen this day to show me on trust. Psalm 112:7 is one that I need to go to as moments of bad news seem to pop up rather often in my life these days (as in so many others too)…
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7
I pray that as you turn to Him, He will show you His direction in this journey.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Thank you for your prayers in this, Linda.
Lauren, I feel like I could have written this post. Trust in God is often an issue for me too. I will follow your thoughts with great interest. God’s faithful nature SHOULD be enough to sustain us, but He recognizes that we are human and therefore fallible. Please give yourself the grace that God lavishes on you every day. You have touched and encouraged so many readers (including me) here with your writing.
You are so very kind and generous with your comments, Laurie. Thank you.
Ahhh, Lauren, how I love your honesty! Both about not having a word before and about where you’re at with trust. Truth: I struggle with trusting him too. Especially with my sons and some of the choices they’re making as older teens. I am learning how to trust God to take care of them, to guide them when I see heart issues that could be impacting, and with their growing independence. I didn’t realize how much I worry about them until God started showing me I’m trusting my “wisdom” and my care for them more than His. I know, silly me. May God speak to you and draw you into deeper intimacy with Him as you learn to trust Him in the ways He shows you!
Children’s choices are exactly what I am struggling with too. Thank you for sharing with me and the encouragement.
Lauren, my heart goes out to you because I’ve had seasons like that as well, but The Lord has always been faithful. Trust is a beautiful and powerful word to focus on. Let me know if there’s any way that I can pray for you. Hugs and blessings! 🤗🙏🏾 And thanks so much for hosting!
Tai you are so thoughtful. Please pray that I trust God with my kids and decrease my anxiety. Thank you.
You’re not alone in feeling so at odds this past year, Lauren. I think much of the world has felt this way. I know I have. I’ve even been anxious about my anxiety. ha. The important thing is that we know God is always there for us, present even in our angst, patient with us as struggle to trust him more. I’m glad we don’t have to get it “right” but that we can grow in faith through the wrestling. “Trust” is a wonderful word for this year (and any year!).
That is a great things to pray. That we grow in faith through the wrestling.
Lauren, this is such a beautiful post. I so admire your willingness to share your struggle and your vulnerability. Honestly, whenever I have embarked on a word of the year, the words, whatever they may be, have come to me from somewhere outside of me. From God or the Universe, they always come in the form of some lesson that I am in dire need to learn. This year, my words manifested slowly throughout the course of last year and landed firmly at Gratitude and Perspective. They are the things that I needed most to focus on to survive the way current events were impacting me. You know, I always love your posts because even as you write from a framework of your Christian beliefs, I can always apply the message to my own spiritual belief system….which goes to show that despite the dramatic divide in the world today we are all so much more alike than we even take time to consider.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Gratitude and perspective are great things to focus on. And thanks as always for the kind words.
Ah, Lauren … you are not alone. A Word just chose me last week. Sometimes we can’t orchestrate these things.
I smile knowing that He’s the wisest Guide ever!
A word chose you. I like that way of looking at it. And He is he wisest guide. Praying that I will trust that.
Lauren, I don’t think you are late or slow in grabbing hold of your one word. Part of the journey was in the wrestling to sort through how God was leading you. And that is always a beautiful journey! The Scriptures He has led you to are powerful ones to dwell on and will surely bring you to the place of growing trust. I hope you will share what you learn along the way!
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Joanne.