Seeking God in your Situation
Study Text: 2 Kings 1: 1 - 4
Introduction:
Ahaziah was in a difficult situation, but rather than seeking God for solution, he secretly sends to consult the god of Eckron. Worries and fears of the unknown weakens his trust in God, and went outside the will of God to seek solution.
God is not happy when His people forsake Him to go after other gods and His Words says that the troubles of such people shall be multiplied.
Life is not predictable, but full of ups and downs along the way.
It is easier to trust God when times are good, but when times are difficult, only few people can really hold on unto God, even though it is more important to trust God in difficult situations. Whatever the situation, we must put our hopes in God, and trust Him to handle our situations in a way that pleases Him, knowing fully well that He wants the best for us. Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28
God’s unchanging character can give us a firm foundation when things feel unsteady and uncertain, but we really need to seek Him and trust Him with the whole of our heart.
Life can be going along smoothly for a season. Your job is satisfying. Your friends and family are enjoyable. Your goals, finances, health and outlook seem bright. Then, all of a sudden, things turned upside down. The things you felt secure in, all of a sudden feel shaky and uncertain.
How do you know that God is good and be able to trust Him in these circumstances? How do you trust Him when you do not understand what is happening?
These are valid questions, but the Word of God has answers to all questions and solutions to all problems of life.
We shall be discussing the topic by looking at three important questions:
1. What does it Mean to Trust God?
2. How do you Build up your Trust in God?
3. What are the Practical Ways for Trusting God
1. What Does it Mean to Trust God?
To trust is to believe in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of something.
So, when it comes to trusting God, that means believing in His reliability, His Word, His ability and His strength.
The Bible says that God cannot lie. That He always keeps His promises. That He loves you and has good in store for you.
Trusting in Him means believing what He says about Himself, about the world and about you is true.
Trusting God is more than a feeling; it is a choice to have faith in what He says even when your feelings or circumstances would have you believe something different.
Your feelings and circumstances matter and are very much worth paying attention to. God cares about them both. But those things alone are not reliable enough to base your life on. They can change at any moment, even in an instant.
God, on the other hand, does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and therefore is worthy of your trust. Hebrews 13:8
Trusting God is not about ignoring your feelings or reality. It is not pretending that everything is going well when it is not.
Trusting God is living a life of belief in and obedience to God even when it’s difficult.
2. How do you Build up your Trust in God?
Now that you know what it means to trust God, how exactly can you do that in your everyday life?
If you trust someone, you feel comfortable being honest with them about anything.
God is much more reliable than even your most trustworthy friend. When things feel difficult, He doesn’t ask you to keep those feelings to yourself.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Because God loves you, you can show your trust in Him by talking about all your feelings and circumstances with Him both the good and the hard through prayer. Don’t let your emotions rule your life; bring them to God so He can help you address them.
He is not disappointed or frustrated by your struggles, doubts or pain. He cares about you, and you can trust Him with those things.
When you trust, you go to God and His word when life is hard. You also act on obedience, doing what God says in His Word and trust that He will ultimately take care of the rest.
In trust, you do not look for security in other things; you look to God to hold you securely in difficult circumstances. You won’t do this perfectly, but God is kind and patient with you while you learn to trust Him.
Mark 14:34-36
Jesus Himself felt overwhelmed by what was before Him, and He went straight to His Father.
He cares for your hurts. He pays attention. How comforting it is to know that the God of the universe is also paying attention to you. Knowing that God is for you will strengthen your trust in Him during times of hardship and the unknown.
3. What are the Practical Ways to Trust God?
The following are some of the practical ways to trust God in your everyday life:
1. Look for the Truth in His Words
Scripture, or the Bible, is God’s Word. God knows you need somewhere to go when you feel unsure. That place is His Word. It is unchanging and completely trustworthy.
The Bible records ways God has responded in difficult times in the past. It reminds you that He is trustworthy whatever your circumstances.
Many people in Scripture even reference other parts of Scripture to encourage themselves and those around them.
If you don’t run to the Word to remind you of truth in difficult times, it is easier for you to be led into lies about your life and who God is. Philippians 4:6-7
You need a strong foundation of Scripture to stand on, especially when you feel uncertain. The Bible is God’s unfailing, unchanging Word. You can cling to its truth when life becomes difficult and challenging.
2. Tell God Honestly your Fears, Worries and Unbelief
Allow God to remind you who He is and what He promises, and then be honest with Him. You can tell God how you feel and in what areas of your life you are struggling to trust Him. 2 Chronicles 12:20
You must acknowledge that His character is good and trustworthy, and you must agree with Him that all He says is true. Mark 9: 22-24
It is one thing to know the truth. But it is sometimes hard to believe it when life takes unexpected turns. You can confess to God when your feelings and beliefs are not lining up with His Truth. You can ask Him to help you believe what He says is true.
3. Share Your Concerns With Your Church Leaders
You are not facing these difficult times alone. The Lord is walking with you every step of the way. He also gives you other believers to walk with.
When you are struggling, share those concerns with another follower of Jesus whom you trust, someone you know is pursuing a relationship with God regularly and who knows God’s Word.
You do not have to share struggles with everyone, but find those people who will encourage you and share the truth with you and not just tell you what you want to hear.
Fellow believers can remind you of God’s character through encouragement and accountability. They can pray for and support you. They can remind you of the truth when you’re struggling. This reminds you that you are never alone, even in hard times.
4. Create a Quality Time to Fellowship with God
God is bigger than your circumstances. Difficult times may feel like they last forever, but they are temporary.
God is present amid the bad times as well as the good. He is always faithful. God wants you to go to Him with your circumstances. He also wants you to come to Him simply to spend time with Him.
You should not let your circumstances shape your relationship with God. God can shape your view of your circumstances.
Spend regular time with God. Establishing a consistent time with the Lord when things feel good will help you to continue to go to Him when things feel rough. If you have not established that, it is never too late to start.
5. Be Grateful For the Blessings of the Past and Present
Difficult circumstances feel all-consuming at times. It is really hard to see past them to other good things going on. But God’s grace is in all things. In your waking up. In your good health. In your safe going out and coming in.
But those good times often get overshadowed by other more complicated things going on. In the face of those difficulties, God shares His will for you and how you should respond to them.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
God calls you to give thanks. He is always working in your life and in the world. In the moments when everything appears to be falling apart, it can be hard to see how the Good Father is at work, but know His mercy is consistent.
6. Yield to the Holy Spirit and Commune with Him
The Holy Spirit lives in anyone who believes in Jesus. The Holy Spirit is your constant helper, pointing you to Jesus.
The Spirit comforts and reminds you of the truth. The Spirit will also lead you in obedience. He will bring direction to you.
A common struggle in difficult times is feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and worry about an unknown future. The leading of the Spirit can ease struggles by guiding you to acts of obedience. He does not always give you the big picture, but He will show you the next step.
Walking closely with the Spirit will not only give you direction but will remind you that you are not alone. God is not distant. He is with you in difficult situations. He is making a way for you.
7. Take Specific Prayers about the Situation Persistently
Faithfully continue to seek the Lord, but wait on His timing. Wait on Him to act on your behalf. Wait on Him to do what you cannot do yourself.Isaiah 40:31
Waiting on the Lord reminds you that you are not in control. He is bigger than any of your circumstances. He will sustain you and grow your faith in the waiting.
God is never neglecting your life. If He seems to be silent, remember His promise that He is always hearing your prayers and responding. Psalm 34:17
God is trustworthy even when you don’t see your prayers answered or problems solved right away.
Conclusion:
Life is unpredictable and difficult at times, and that difficulty may persist for longer than you had hoped.
It may even bring you to the end of your strength. So, what do you do then?
Wait, trust and remember that God loves you. You can trust Him to sustain you, provide for you and be with you even in the midst of your hardship.
Jesus guaranteed His followers that they would face hard times (John 16:33), but He promised that He would always be with them (Matthew 28:20).
