In troubled times, trust in God

"Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we will trust in the name of the Lord our God."

- Psalm 20:7 (NIV)

There's nothing like troubling times to shake up our certainty. I always expected life to get better, and I still do. But like many of you, I've had my share of ups and downs over the years.

In these troubling times, when our bank accounts fluctuate, our health is threatened and our relationships falter, have you considered where your trust is placed? From time to time, I like to examine who or what I'm trusting.

Am I placing too much trust in the people in my life or those around me? Am I placing too much trust in the political agendas? Or do I trust in myself, leaning too much on my education, successes and possessions? I think we all fall short in many of these categories.

Now, I'm not suggesting we become cynical or untrusting; rather we learn to trust in God, who has the ability to heal our broken hearts, bodies and bank accounts and truly cares about our needs.

Living by faith means we place our trust in God and his ability to guide and direct our lives. Having faith that he can do what we can't do ourselves is a true test of our trust.

It may sound like a pie in the sky faith to you, but over the years I've seen God get me out of difficulties I didn't think was possible.

I've seen him heal family members when I've been told all hope was gone. I've gotten a job back after my position was eliminated. And I've had money come to me in miraculous ways when I was financially down and out.

Even after I've experienced some of the amazing things he's done in my life, I still have moments where troubles can make me anxious or doubt if he'll come through this time. But then I turn to my thoughts and remind myself that our lives are in his hands.

The devil uses trials and temptations as an opportunity to destroy our faith. But God sees them as an opportunity to test it. And the test is more about helping us feel stable.

When we trust, we feel emotionally stable, level headed and stronger. We are able to focus and perform our daily activities and fulfill our destiny. God doesn't want us destroying our health by being stressed, or tempted to make wrong choices, or even turn to unhealthy habits, to find peace and calm in the midst of chaos.

But in our human nature it's not easy to trust. Trust is something we must develop. As people of faith, if we can stay faithful to pray, stand on Bible passages we remember, and use wisdom to help ourselves, these key factors prove our faith isn't faltering. When we still feel anxious and afraid, we can ask God to increase our faith and help us with our feelings.

When we rely too much on what we're feeling, it can make us feel hopeless what to give up or give in. Taking our minds from worry to the truth about God's trustworthiness can give us some momentary relief between the waves of anxious thoughts.

We can't have thoughts of doubt and faith at the same time. So which should we choose? And even though we don't understand every circumstance, when we rely on the truth that God can be trusted no matter what the outcome, we can exchange our worry for peace and give ourselves a break.

• Annettee Budzban is an author, speaker, life coach, nurse and Bible teacher. Contact her for information on her Writing for Fun or Profit conference, which will be from noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 29 in Libertyville. Annettee is available to speak to your church group, business, civic organization or be your personal life coach. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.