5 Ways of Trusting God in Your Life Decisions: Navigating with Trust in God's Will

Life can often feel like navigating the high seas. We all have dreams and desires that we aspire to, yet, there are times when the journey doesn't unfold as we planned. The desires we have in our hearts can be quite strong. We believe in the things we feel should be, and put in effort to manifest them. The problem is sometimes we are trying to force two pieces that don't fit together. Then our will overrides the will of the Father. In these moments, you'll find the thing soon fall apart, but it's essential to remember that we're not alone; we have an infallible guide - God. Let's learn how we can navigate life by entrusting our paths to God's will, understanding our limitations, and accepting the outcomes with grace.

The Art of Surrender

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

The above scripture perfectly encapsulates the heart of our journey. Trusting in God means surrendering our plans, control, and outcomes to Him. It means accepting that while we can exert effort, the results are ultimately in His hands. I'm aware of how difficult this may be. Especially in a world where we're constantly bombarded with visuals of other people living what appears to be a fulfilling life. We can't help but compare our current situation to theirs. In doing so we begin to make plans and force ourselves into situations that may not align with what God has planned for us. God reminds us to be patient and to trust him. To remember that he loves and cares for us. Matthew 6: 28-33 reads, "And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

The Free Will Dilemma

Now, you don't have to be patient and wait on God. You can do whatever it is you feel you want or need to do. God, in His infinite wisdom, bestowed upon us the gift of free will. We are free to make choices, shape our paths, and steer our lives. However, this freedom often leads to outcomes that might not align with our desires. We have no control over others because they are also granted free will. Then we find that our desires do not manifest in the way that we envisioned because of other people making choices that do not line up with our plans.

An analogy to consider is viewing life as a dance. We may lead in some parts, but there are times when we must follow. We don't control the music or our partner's steps; sometimes, our feet may falter, or the rhythm may change unexpectedly. Yet, the dance continues, and we learn to move with the flow. We must learn to relinquish control when it calls for it and go with the flow when it's time for it. "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not get upset because of one who is successful in his way, because of the person who carries out wicked schemes." - Psalms 37:7

Trust: The Anchor in Life's Storms

When facing life's storms, trust in God serves as our anchor. Knowing that God's will is at work gives us the strength to weather hardships and the peace to accept outcomes. Trusting God doesn't mean we won't face challenges or disappointments, but we have a steadfast source of hope and assurance in His promises. To me, that is a huge sigh of relief, knowing that God is steering my ship. That my obedience and trust in God are going to bring about a better outcome than anything that I could've put together for myself. To error is human, and I believe that we are bound to make mistakes because we have very limited sight of the future. We make unwise decisions based on how we feel, or our limited experiences. This is why is so important to trust in the Creator of all things, time, matter, space, the seen and unseen, known and unknown. Why not put your trust in the creator of all that is, for your future? "For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11

5 Ways to Trust and Include God in Your Life Decisions

1. Pray Regularly: Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. It's a time to express our desires, seek His guidance, and find solace in His presence.

2. Study Scripture: God's Word is a guiding light for our path. By regularly studying the Bible, we gain wisdom, guidance, and reassurance.

3. Cultivate Patience: Learning to wait upon God is a key aspect of surrendering control. Patience fosters trust and helps us to accept God's timing.

4. Seek Godly Counsel: Surround yourself with individuals who can provide godly counsel and encouragement in your journey.

5. Embrace Acceptance: Learn to accept outcomes as they are, knowing that God's will is at work.

Final Thoughts

In the dance of life, we may not always have the lead. But when we surrender to God's rhythm, we can find beauty and grace in every step — even the ones that take us in unexpected directions. Let this be your mantra: "Do your best and let God do the rest." Trust that God, the ultimate choreographer of our lives, will guide us through each beat and bar of our journey.