Day 10: The Liberating Force of Trust

Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Central Thought: Trust in God sets us free from fear and turmoil

The world of sport and competition covers the gamut from running to swimming to throwing to kicking to shooting. Words like speed, quickness, agility, balance, and perseverance dot the editorials and are sprinkled liberally across the airwaves of sports commentary and play-by-play reporting. Motivation posters that combine beautiful photography and inspirational statements hang in locker rooms, coaching offices, and the boardrooms of business as a testimony to the universal application of the sporting metaphors.

Trust is a word that often shows up in team efforts as well as individual conquests. Quarterbacks trust their line and the timing of the wide-receiver. Teams trust their coaching staff and rely on them to be their eyes and ears. Golfers must trust their swing and their choice of line when standing over a putt. When trust is in place, there is a peace and calm that comes with it. That calm tends to lead to an enhanced performance since distraction is minimized and confidence is on the rise. Trust is a powerful liberator in the mind of the athlete in his quest for a trophy or ribbon. How much more powerfully does trust function in the life of the believer in his ultimate conflict and conquest?

Consider how freeing it is to place such a trust in the One that is all-wise and all-knowing and who has our best in mind. Trust is best placed in Him who grants to us an understanding above and beyond that which we could come to on our own. This opens up to us a humility that always sees His hand engaged and His purposes being accomplished. This is a clarity that allows us to see the way we should go.

Devotional Prayer: Lord, I humbly confess that I lack the knowledge and wisdom to live my life with the success that You see for me. I lack the resources in myself so I ask You to open my eyes to see the many ways You are involved in my life. Help me to trust You completely so that I can find the freedom to walk before You in confidence.

Today’s Bible Reading: Genesis 23:1-24:51; Matthew 8:1-17; Psalm 9:13-20; Proverbs 3:1-6