Prepared – Devotion 100

There are so many things in life we can plan.  We can plan when an event will happen and send out invitations.  We can plan our vacations and know months or even years ahead of time.  We can plan for ballgames and dance recitals.  All of those are set, at least to some respect.  We can get our lives set in a nice schedule, ordered by our wonderful planners.  But no matter how much we schedule it all, there is always the unexpected.  We can never be fully prepared when the unexpected happens.

With the chances that something will happen, we can react in different ways.  I had a family member that would react by always looking for the worst.  He would prepare for the absolute worst events to happen and then be relieved when they didn’t.   I’m not convinced this is any way to really live.  It seems overly stressful and anxious.  Another way to prepare is to trust.

Trust is often difficult.  Who do we trust?  What do we trust?  I trust Wendy with everything – really everything.  But she is no more prepared for the unexpected than I am.  We are definitely in this together.  But we both need to trust in someone other than ourselves.  We choose to trust in God.  While that sounds simple enough, it takes time and focus.

When I am trusting in God, I am not anxious because he will be with me through it all.  I am not worried about what is coming.  I am not looking for the worst, but rather focused on the best.  He is the Creator of all that is good and beautiful and healthy.  He gives us life and breath.  He does not force us to do anything but guides us to the best this world can offer.  But trusting in God means that I take the time and effort to listen and learn.  I make a conscious decision to not try and control everything myself.  I relax in the hands of the One that is surprised by nothing.  It takes time, but in a world of unknowns, it is the best decision I could make.

Who are you trusting?  Where are you placing your trust when the unknowns come your way?  How do you handle what comes your way?  I choose God.

Focus Scripture:

Proverbs 3:5-6

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery