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.
Here we are, like it or not, at the beginning of a new year. One filled with hope and promise, and one that cannot predict the outcome of our day to day lives. We find ourselves, as day unfolds upon day, subject to uncertainties, yet praying and eager for the best for ourselves and for those whom we love.
For several years now, I've chosen a word to guide my year. My word for 2019 was "lean," as in "lean not on my own understanding."
And I have to admit, I cannot even begin to count the times I've leaned upon the Lord, and His understanding and knowledge, not mine, as I've traversed this hectic, challenging year filled with loss and grief, gain and joy. Even if I haven't felt that God is with me, I know my feelings count for naught. It is the knowing in my heart of hearts that assures me that in those moments I lean into Him, I'll find the support for which I've prayed.
So, as I revisit these verses from Proverbs that I treasured last year, it's not one word, but two, that stand out in my choice for the New Year: Trust and Submit.
And I realize, in a God-given moment of clarity, that these two meld perfectly together.
When I submit my will to God's, I can trust that His answers and provisions will be firm and true, unwavering and faithful. Our Lord always keeps His promises.
Even when, in our frail human nature, we don't keep ours.
But in this brand new year, my desire is to become more like Jesus. That means I can no longer place myself, my wants, my needs, at the center of the universe.
That center belongs to God alone.
Therefore, in tandem, I submit to the Lord, and trust that His answers will be more than enough for me.
Submit and trust.
What more could God ask of us?
May we all, in 2020, walk in tandem with Jesus.
Amen!
Thank you. I needed this post today.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Martha.
I'm so glad this post touched you today, Victor.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Tandem. Exactly! Him on the front you on the back. Trust and submit to the one who is the Head. Well said Martha. Your desire is also mine.
ReplyDeleteI'm gratified to know that what I desire in tandem with the Lord is what you want as well, Bill. I know I'm in good company!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Trust and Submit... You probably picked two words that can be most difficult at times for me. I know I should... I know I would be better for it. Some days I fall terribly short.
ReplyDeleteI, too, fall short, Ryan, and that's precisely why these words chose me this year. Trust and submit, submit and trust . . .
DeleteLove and blessings!
Amen.
ReplyDeleteYes, my friend, a definite "amen!"
DeleteLove and blessings!
One of the most reassuring and comforting verses in the Bible! I love the word "surrender" which is slightly different that "trust and submit," but carries the same sense of yielding (also a good word).
ReplyDeleteSurrender is a great way to look at it, Galen, and I did think to substitute it for "submit," but I knew in my heart they reflected the same action/attitude. And yes, such a comforting verse!
DeleteLove and blessings!
My favorite Bible verse! Beautiful post, Martha.
ReplyDeleteI'm not proud of it, but have pronounced trust issues ... and look forward to your good example. Even tho' I chose 'imagine', 'lean' most appeals to me right now.
Glad to know this is your favorite Bible verse, Mevely! It truly says it all.
DeleteAnd I do hear you about "lean," especially in trying times. That word worked miracles for me last year.
Love and blessings!
Oh yes! Leaning on the everylasting arms!
ReplyDeleteThere's no better place for us to be. We are safe, protected, secure.
I'm so grateful!
Martha, thanks for this spiritual reminder.
Linda, there is no better place to be than in the Father's arms, is there? Glad this post today touched your heart.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Yes, those two words truly do meld together, Martha. I remain a work in progress with leaning, trusting, and submitting. Reminding myself of God's heart and character help so much when circumstances make it hard to trust and submit to His plan. Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteYes, Trudy, they certainly do work in tandem, and it can be a challenge for us as we are faced with life's struggles that are oh, so real. But as you said, when we remind ourselves of who God is, we know that He is faithful to see us through all the circumstances life throws at us. And just know, my friend, we are ALL works in progress!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Those two words definitely go together perfectly and will serve you well in this brand new year! That verse is a favorite of mine, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know it is one of your favorites, Terri! Yes, I think those two words will work so well in tandem as I face the uncertainties of the coming year. With an aging mother, and some medical procedures facing me, I need the Lord more than ever to set my path straight.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Good choice of words, Martha. You can't go wrong following the path they lead you on. God bless you in 2020.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I'm praying for, Diane. I find myself repeating these words throughout my day, and feeling God's reassuring presence when I do so. Know He led me to this choice!
DeleteLove and blessings!
The old song "Trust and Obey" came to mind as I read your post.
ReplyDeleteBeckie, I'll have to look that song up, as I'm not familiar with it. Thanks so much for referencing it here!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Yes, what an awesome combination of words, Martha. Trust and submit should lead you to some amazing adventures with God this year! Interestingly, another friend of mine has also chosen two words: trust and remember.
ReplyDeleteThat's so great to know, Lisa, that one of your friends has also chosen two words for the year! Now I don't feel like an oddball. :) Yes, there should be lots of great adventures with the Lord in store in the new year.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love your word combo for the new year, and I echo so much of what you said. 2019 was a tough year for our family, too. Our word last year was "favor," and I had these grand illusions of a perfectly smooth year. We found out early on that "favor" did not mean the absence of fiery trials, but it meant GOD'S presence and approval and blessing IN the midst of those trials. He brought us through so much last year. My husband has his word of the year for 2020, and Zach and I are still contemplating ours. It is always fun to see how the Lord gives us similar thoughts and words and melds them into a common theme. So wonderful to visit with you, and here's hoping 2020 will hold healthier, happier days for all of us!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I so hear you about your tough times in 2019 as we had plenty of our own. But God is ever in the mix, of that we can rest assured. When troubles come, we can always count on Him to guide, comfort and help us through.
DeleteLooking forward to seeing what word chooses you for 2020!
Love and blessings!
Trust and submit should walk hand in hand together, although it may not be an easy time of it. However, when we know the Lord has our best interest at heart, we do have to trust and submit to His perfect plan. I pray that the Lord gives you all the strength, grace and wisdom you need this year! In this journey of walking by faith, He has much to teach us! Many blessings to you sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteI felt these words went hand in hand, too, Marilyn. I couldn't settle for one without the other. And yes, the Lord's plan is a perfect one, and sometimes one we cannot see unless we are willing to submit to His will and trust in His ways. Hope your 2020 is a wonderful year!
DeleteLove and blessings!
"Trust" and "submit" are 2 words that go very well together. I will look forward to reading your thoughts about them this year. My word for 2020 is "humility". It chose me.
ReplyDeleteHumility is a great word, Laurie! Something I know I could use more of in my life. And isn't it amazing that we don't choose our words, but they choose us.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Good edifying Word and how vital it is that we trust and submit. You got me thinking too about the year ahead and I need to be mindful of these words going forward!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to know this post made you reflect upon the year ahead, Valerie, and that these two words spoke to you. They are most certainly speaking to me each and every day!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Kind of like the old hymn, "Trust and Obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." Love those new "tandem" words. God is going to be doing a lot of wonderful things in your life as you "trust and submit" to His divine will. Be ready!!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Pamela! It is my hope and my prayer that God will be doing great things in all of our lives this year. May it also be a joyful one!
DeleteLove and blessings!
AMEN! wisdom here today
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jean!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Great post, Martha! Yes, submitting to the Lord is challenging but the benefits are worth it in the end. In the comments above, I saw at least two people mention the old hymn, "Trust and Obey"--that does capture a surrender to the Lord.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
"Trust and Obey" is a hymn I'm not familiar with, Kim, but the title does fit perfectly! I'll have to look this one up.
DeleteLove and blessings!