Choosing Trust: Finding Peace in Uncertainty
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound question, "Who can I trust?" In a world filled with uncertainty, political turmoil, and even failures within the church, it can be challenging to know where to place our trust. We began by acknowledging the humility and strength it takes to admit when we need help, as exemplified by Pastor Ray. This humility is a cornerstone of our faith journey, reminding us that we are not alone and that God is always at work, both visibly and behind the scenes.
We turned to Psalm 56:3, where King David declares, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." This simple yet powerful verse teaches us that trust in God is an act of will, a conscious decision to look beyond our fears and focus on God's unwavering faithfulness. Fear is a natural emotion, not a demonic one, and it serves as a warning light on the dashboard of our hearts. However, living in fear is not God's plan for us. Instead, we are called to respond to fear by placing our trust in God.
We discussed the physiological and emotional responses to fear and how they can either paralyze us or propel us into action. David's life, filled with moments of fear and danger, serves as a testament to the power of trusting God. He faced giants, wild animals, and even the wrath of King Saul, yet he chose to trust in God's plan and protection.
Trusting God involves practical steps: prayer, meditation on Scripture, worship, community, and obedience. Prayer is our lifeline, a constant conversation with God that keeps us connected. Meditating on Scripture helps us internalize God's promises, making them a part of our daily lives. Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God's greatness, magnifying Him in our eyes. Community provides the support and encouragement we need, reminding us that we are not alone. Finally, obedience, even when difficult, honors God and aligns us with His will.
In conclusion, trusting God brings a peace that transcends understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace doesn't mean our problems will disappear, but it assures us that God is with us through every trial. As we navigate life's uncertainties, let us choose to trust in God, knowing that He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
### Key Takeaways
1. Humility and Strength in Asking for Help: Admitting that we need help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes greater humility to acknowledge our limitations and seek guidance. This humility opens the door for God to work through us and others, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. [49:41]
2. Trust as an Act of Will: Trusting God is a conscious decision, especially in times of fear. Psalm 56:3 teaches us that trust is not automatic; it requires us to actively choose to place our trust in God, looking beyond our immediate fears to His eternal faithfulness. [54:49]
3. The Role of Fear: Fear is a natural emotion that serves as a warning signal. However, living in fear is not God's plan for us. We are called to respond to fear by trusting in God, who is bigger than any problem we face. Courage is not the absence of fear but doing the right thing despite it. [58:05]
4. Practical Steps to Trust God: Trusting God involves practical actions: prayer, meditation on Scripture, worship, community, and obedience. These steps help us stay connected to God, internalize His promises, shift our focus from problems to His greatness, receive support from fellow believers, and align our actions with His will. [01:18:24]
5. Peace Through Trust: Trusting God brings a peace that transcends understanding, guarding our hearts and minds. This peace doesn't eliminate our problems but assures us that God is with us through every trial. By focusing on God's faithfulness, we can navigate life's uncertainties with confidence and calm. [01:14:21]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[49:41] - Humility in Asking for Help
[50:20] - God is at Work
[51:27] - Who Can I Trust?
[52:04] - Challenges in Trusting Leaders
[54:00] - God's Unchanging Plan
[54:49] - Trust as an Act of Will
[56:11] - Fear and Anxiety
[58:05] - Understanding Fear
[01:00:02] - Responding to Fear
[01:03:37] - Trusting God in Scary Situations
[01:08:13] - Handing Over Fears to God
[01:14:21] - Peace Through Trust
[01:18:24] - Practical Steps to Trust God
[01:27:02] - Worship in Times of Fear
[01:28:59] - Importance of Community
[01:34:20] - Obedience and Trust
[01:43:28] - Being Trust Willing
[01:44:54] - Trusting God with Life's Realities
[01:48:27] - Closing Prayer and Trust in God
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Psalm 56:3: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
- Proverbs 3:5-6: "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."
- Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
### Observation Questions
1. What does King David declare in Psalm 56:3 about fear and trust? How does this verse relate to the sermon’s message on trust? ([54:49])
2. According to Proverbs 3:5-6, what are we instructed to do with our understanding and ways? How does this align with the sermon’s teaching on trusting God? ([01:08:13])
3. In Philippians 4:7, what is promised to guard our hearts and minds? How does this promise connect to the peace discussed in the sermon? ([01:14:21])
4. What practical steps to trust God were mentioned in the sermon? List them and briefly describe their importance. ([01:18:24])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of will in trusting God, as described in Psalm 56:3, challenge our natural responses to fear? ([56:52])
2. What does it mean to "lean not on your own understanding" in the context of Proverbs 3:5-6, and how can this be applied in daily life? ([01:08:13])
3. How does the peace of God, mentioned in Philippians 4:7, differ from the peace the world offers? Why is this distinction important for believers? ([01:14:21])
4. The sermon mentioned several practical steps to trust God, such as prayer and worship. How do these practices help in shifting our focus from fear to trust? ([01:18:24])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt afraid. How did you respond, and how might you apply Psalm 56:3 to similar situations in the future? ([54:49])
2. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises us to trust in the Lord with all our heart. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God fully. What steps can you take to submit this area to Him? ([01:08:13])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of community in trusting God. How can you engage more deeply with your church community to support and be supported in your faith journey? ([01:28:59])
4. Worship was highlighted as a way to shift focus from problems to God's greatness. What specific worship practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to help you trust God more? ([01:27:02])
5. The sermon discussed the role of obedience in trusting God. Think of a recent time when you felt God was asking you to do something difficult. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience about obedience and trust? ([01:34:20])
6. Fear can often paralyze us, but the sermon suggested practical steps to overcome it. Choose one of these steps (prayer, meditation on Scripture, worship, community, obedience) and make a plan to implement it in your life this week. ([01:18:24])
7. The peace of God is said to guard our hearts and minds. Identify a specific worry or anxiety you are currently facing. How can you actively seek God's peace in this situation? ([01:14:21])
Devotional
Day 1: Humility and Strength in Asking for Help
Admitting that we need help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes greater humility to acknowledge our limitations and seek guidance. This humility opens the door for God to work through us and others, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. When we humble ourselves and ask for help, we allow God to demonstrate His power and grace in our lives. This act of humility is a cornerstone of our faith journey, as it reflects our dependence on God and our trust in His provision. [49:41]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been struggling alone. Can you take a step today to ask for help from God or a trusted friend, acknowledging your need for support?
Day 2: Trust as an Act of Will
Trusting God is a conscious decision, especially in times of fear. Psalm 56:3 teaches us that trust is not automatic; it requires us to actively choose to place our trust in God, looking beyond our immediate fears to His eternal faithfulness. Trusting God means making a deliberate choice to rely on His promises and character, even when circumstances are daunting. This act of will is a powerful declaration of faith, demonstrating our belief that God is in control and that His plans for us are good. [54:49]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Identify a specific fear or worry you are facing today. How can you consciously choose to trust God with this fear, and what practical steps can you take to reinforce this trust?
Day 3: The Role of Fear
Fear is a natural emotion that serves as a warning signal. However, living in fear is not God's plan for us. We are called to respond to fear by trusting in God, who is bigger than any problem we face. Courage is not the absence of fear but doing the right thing despite it. Understanding that fear can paralyze or propel us into action, we must choose to let it drive us closer to God. By acknowledging our fears and bringing them to God, we can find the strength to move forward in faith. [58:05]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment when fear held you back. How can you reframe that fear as an opportunity to trust in God's power and love today?
Day 4: Practical Steps to Trust God
Trusting God involves practical actions: prayer, meditation on Scripture, worship, community, and obedience. These steps help us stay connected to God, internalize His promises, shift our focus from problems to His greatness, receive support from fellow believers, and align our actions with His will. By engaging in these practices, we build a strong foundation of trust in God, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace. [01:18:24]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: Choose one practical step (prayer, meditation on Scripture, worship, community, or obedience) to focus on today. How can you incorporate this step into your daily routine to strengthen your trust in God?
Day 5: Peace Through Trust
Trusting God brings a peace that transcends understanding, guarding our hearts and minds. This peace doesn't eliminate our problems but assures us that God is with us through every trial. By focusing on God's faithfulness, we can navigate life's uncertainties with confidence and calm. This peace is a gift from God, a reminder that He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Embracing this peace allows us to face life's challenges with a sense of security and hope. [01:14:21]
Isaiah 26:12 (ESV): "O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works."
Reflection: Think about a current challenge or uncertainty in your life. How can you shift your focus from the problem to God's faithfulness, and what steps can you take to embrace His peace today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God is up to amazing things here at Abundant Heart Church. He is. Some of it you can see. Some of it's behind the scenes. Some of it's underground that he's working on. Some of it he's stirring in the heavenlies. But I'm just telling you, God is up to amazing things here at Abundant Heart Church. And remember, Abundant Heart Church is not the building and it's not the organization. It's you. You are the church. Without you, this would just be an empty building." [50:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. I put my trust in you. It's a very simple verse, but really when you think about what King David is saying here, it packs a huge message about faith and trust in God. Now, before you get all spiritual and religious on me, because if you know me, well, I shouldn't say there's no religious bone in my body, but I grew up in church, but I have no interest in playing church and going through the motions." [54:49] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Fear is a natural emotion. And because we are natural people, we will feel fear. We will experience fear at some point in time. We all experience that. Whether you're a kid afraid of the dark or a teenager worried about fitting in or an adult worried about fitting in or an adult that's anxious about work or family, fear is a part of life. It can creep in and steal our peace and it can steal our joy. If we don't respond to it in the right way." [01:00:46] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When fear shows up, let David's example to choose and to trust God show us what we should do. He is our refuge and our strength. As Psalm 46 says, God is our refuge and strength and He is an ever-present help in trouble." [01:43:28] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we trust God, here is the thing, there is a peace that comes from trusting. There is a peace that we get from trusting. Even in the middle of our fears, we experience His peace. A peace that doesn't make sense to the world." [01:13:18] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "It takes greater humility, greater strength to be able to say, look, I need help and I need some direction. And Pastor Ray was able to do that. And then when we came in and began to kind of work together, the team just took it and ran with it. So kudos to you guys. And thank you for all that you're doing to make everything possible here." [49:41] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Courage is not the absence of fear, but it's doing the right thing even in the presence of fear. So the Bible tells us to have courage, meaning the insinuation is fear may also be there as well. But have courage. Be of good courage. Do the right thing even in the presence of fear." [01:03:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Effective meditation of Scripture is not memorizing the verse and then checking the box that you've memorized it and then move on. Effective Scripture memorization and meditation is getting that inside of you so that when you start talking, it comes out of you almost naturally. It becomes a new nature." [01:26:25] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sometimes trusting God means doing what He asks even when it's hard. Remember, God honors our obedience and He will lead us through the obedience with every step." [01:34:20] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's about being the church. It's about if I am not changed at this point in time in my life, from where I was at this point last year, then I'm not doing my job as a believer in following closely with the Lord. It's all about being changed, and it's all about being real." [56:11] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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