Week #2: Trusting God in Tough Times
Blog Series Intention Recap:
This four-week series for January teaches us that our lives, plans and hopes for the future are in good hands. Christians are called to become like Christ in the here and now, entrusting the future to a God who always works for their best in the world. This sermon series reminds us that God’s Providence will take care of tomorrow as long as we live justly today. Join us as we dig into the theological concept of “Providence.”
This post is part of the series “He Holds the Future.” Click here to check out the other posts.
Let’s jump into Week #2:
Last week we looked at the Providence. Providence? What does the concept of providence mean? This old-fashioned word has an important meaning for us today. Let’s look at how Providence is defined:
Providence [ prov-i-duhns ] noun
(often initial capital letter) the foreseeing care and guidance of God over the creatures of the earth.
(initial capital letter) God, especially when realized as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.
Have you ever looked around and felt a twinge of jealousy seeing others seemingly thrive while you struggle? Envy can creep into our hearts, especially when we see those who don't follow God appearing to succeed. Psalm 37:1-6 addresses this issue and offers us a path to peace and true fulfillment.
Psalm 37:1-6
"Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun."
Overcoming the Trap of Envy
Psalm 37 begins with a clear instruction: don't be envious of the wicked. It's easy to feel jealous when we see people who don't follow God seemingly prosper. But the psalmist reminds us that their success is temporary—like grass that withers or plants that die. Instead of focusing on what others have, we're called to trust in God's justice and His plan for us.
In today’s world, there's a heavy focus on material success. Think about the rise of social media stars like Jake Paul, whose fame and fortune might stir envy in many. However, such worldly success is fleeting. As believers, our priority should be cultivating godly character and virtue, not chasing after transient achievements. The psalmist encourages us to "trust in the Lord and do good." This means living a life that honors God and aligns with His principles.
God's Faithfulness in Desires
Verses 3 and 4 of Psalm 37 offer us a profound promise: "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This doesn’t mean God will grant us every whim and wish. Instead, as we grow closer to Him, our desires change to reflect His will. Our hearts align with His, and He fulfills those godly desires.
True fulfillment isn’t about acquiring material wealth or achieving worldly success. It’s about finding joy and contentment in God's presence. When we "take delight in the Lord," we find our ultimate satisfaction in Him. This transforms our perspective, allowing us to see beyond the temporary allure of material possessions and achievements.
The Fruit of Faithfulness
Committing ourselves to God's ways and prioritizing virtue over envy leads to a life marked by the fruit of the Spirit. As we align our desires with God's, we experience contentment, peace, and spiritual growth. Our lives shine with righteousness, as verse 6 promises: "He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun."
The relationship between faithfulness to God and the desires of our heart is deep. When we trust in God and commit our ways to Him, He transforms our desires. We begin to seek what He wants for us, which leads to true fulfillment.
Recognizing that true fulfillment comes from aligning our desires with God's will means prioritizing godly virtues in our lives. Instead of envying others, we should focus on developing our character and trusting God's plan. This approach shifts our perspective, helping us find contentment in God's provision rather than in material gain. We are reminded of Paul’s statement in Romans 8:38-39. We remember that nothing can separate us from God's love.
Providence and Suffering
James 1:2-4 teaches us that trials are growth opportunities. Facing challenges helps develop our character and faith. These tough times allow us to see God's providence at work, shaping us into stronger, more resilient individuals.
The Bible is full of stories where God's providence shines through adversity. Take Joseph, for instance. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph endured many hardships but remained faithful to God. In the end, God elevated him to a position of great influence, demonstrating His providential care.
Job’s story is another powerful example. Despite losing almost everything, Job's faith in God never wavered. His perseverance was rewarded as God restored and even doubled his previous blessings.
Paul the apostle faced numerous hardships, yet he found strength in God's providence. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul shares how God's power is made perfect in weakness. Through his trials, Paul experienced God's sustaining grace and strength. In Romans 8:28, Paul assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." Even when we can't see it, God orchestrates events in our lives for our ultimate good. This knowledge brings comfort, especially during tough times. Knowing that God is in control helps us trust Him more deeply and remain steadfast in our faith.
How does this help me know He Holds the Future?
Understanding God’s providence gives us confidence in His capabilities. God, who holds the future, ensures that everything in our lives works according to His perfect plan. As we trust in His providence, we find peace, knowing He is always working for our good.
As we navigate life’s challenges, let’s remember that God’s providence is our anchor. He is with us in every trial, guiding us and turning things around for our benefit. By aligning our desires with God’s will and cultivating virtue, we experience true fulfillment and the fruit of a faithful life.
