Each year my younger sisters and I each have a Bible verse we feel speaks to us for the days ahead. The theme for 2022 is “trust.”
One sister chose Isaiah 26:4 (GNT), “Trust in the Lord forever; he will always protect us.” The other heard Psalms 37:3 (GNT), “Trust in the Lord and do good.” Mine is 2 Corinthians 9:6 (GNT), “Remember that the person who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop.” That one is on theme because God has been dealing with me about generosity and showing me that holding onto money and stuff indicates a lack of trust in His supply. This verse is a definite challenge to believe God and to give.
As I begin a quest for contentment in 2022, trust is the best place to start.
It is impossible to be content without a deep-seated faith and confidence in God and His promises. To repeat the working definition: Contentment is satisfaction with my place in life. That satisfaction is fueled by the knowledge that where I am right now is the perfect place for me for this moment. I have all the love, resources, energy, knowledge, and wisdom I need to be, do, and have everything that is required.
Without knowledge of God and His goodness and power, how could anyone be so bold? We know our own limitations and failures only too well. We could never find complete rest in our own abilities.
Last year, I wrote a study called, “Make God Bigger.” In that series, I examined and magnified the traits that make God God. If you need reasons to trust Him, you can go here to start that 30-day course.
Another way to increase trust is to remind yourself of all the ways and times God has come through for you. Write a list and keep it handy, pull it out when you are tempted to doubt His faithfulness.
The Bible tells of a time in David’s life when this strategy saved the day. As a young shepherd boy, he had been anointed King of Israel, but instead of entering the palace, David walked back to the pasture to tend the sheep. Saul was king at that time and over many years, Saul grew to hate David and wanted to kill him. David ended up with an army of his own, living out in the wilderness, fighting many battles. After one foray, he and his men returned to camp to find that enemies had stolen their wives, children and possessions. After years of faithfully following David, this was too much, they were ready to kill him themselves. But the Bible says David didn’t give up. He didn’t succumb to a victim mentally. 1 Samuel 30:6 KJV says that David “encouraged himself in the Lord.” Maybe he pulled out a list like the one you may choose to write and read aloud the times God had been faithful:
- Defeated the lion and the bear – check.
- Slayed the giant – check
- Escaped from the hand of Saul – check
And on it went.
Within 24 hours, God had given David victory over his enemies, returning all the people and property that had been lost. He was finally on his way to the palace.
It is easy to focus on the trials of the past and forget the victories. Let’s not be so short-sighted. Helen Keller said, “Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Trials don’t always make us better, however. Some people become bitter and defeated by hard times. It is when we grab hold of God’s hand and walk with Him through the fire that we come out pure and refined on the other side. Trust Him.
Do you have a verse or word for 2022? Share it in the comments below.
Blessings!
Cool Like Christ 