In a life full of deception and confusion, many at times the only person we can ever trust in is ourselves.
Despite how close we are with our spouses, friends and/ or family, ultimately when it comes down to it, we make the final decisions in order to better our life.
The weight of these decisions may vary significantly, whether it be choosing a nice outfit to wear or deciding whether or not to go to college.
In situations as such we often hear the phrase follow your heart, or listen to your conscience, mind etc.
However, the Bible makes known that the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9). It also reminds us to continuously not to be conformed to the patterns of this world but rather be transformed through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). If the heart is deceitful and the mind requires renewal, neither are fully trustworthy.
Therefore when it’s all said and done, even our own thoughts and heart will deceive us. Following our own human intuition and desires will ultimately lead to our destruction.
How then do we then handle life all together, when we can’t even trust ourselves?
Believe that God is Working for Your Good
Bible teacher and best selling author John Piper once quoted: “God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him”.
Many of us understand that God requires obedience from us once we have been saved through the Lordship of Jesus Christ. But do we actually believe that in obeying Him, He is actually bettering our life?
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose
Romans 8:28 [AMP]
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]
Romans 12:2
By renewing our minds onto God, we may prove to ourselves how good and perfect His plan is concerning our life.
Let’s be attentive to this point before continuing.
Many of us already have personal definitions of what “good” is in our lives. To some, “good” may be considered as having lots of money. To others it may be finding that dream job immediately after graduating from school.
But God knows that the completeness of our joy is found fully in Him through Christ (John 15:10-11). By limiting the full effect of God’s goodness through presumed assumptions, we rob ourselves of eternal joy since we are convinced we know best.
Taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). This is why the scripture above says “that you may prove [for yourselves]” the will of God, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. He is literally daring us to taste and see for ourselves how good He is, because outside of Him there is no good at all (James 1:17)
Conformity to the Word of God
Once we truly believe that God is working all things for our good, we must respond accordingly by believing His word as a life book rather than a piece of literature.
Our heart is the “affective center of our being”, the store of our morals and inner self
By actively studying God’s word and using it to guard our hearts, we prevent ourselves from sinning against Him, ultimately leading to the completeness of our joy (Psalm 119:9-11; John 15:10-11).
Likewise, we must conform our minds to the Word of God and hold captive any thoughts which contradict the scriptures. A mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God and therefore will not please Him. However a mind that is set on things of God leads to life and peace (Romans 8:5-6)
Also consider these scriptures: Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 3:5-6
Act It out
There are plenty of moments where we’ve made decisions based on our emotions and act out of reason.
Although they might feel right, always ask yourself one question.
“What does the Bible say about this situation?”
Not sure? Research, read, pray on it.
Know what it says? Obey it
Know what it says, but hard to put it into practice (i.e, easier said than done)? Carry your cross, discipline the body, and act in obedience.
The bottom line is this. Don’t trust your heart, or your mind lest it be conformed onto God and His word.
Now God knows I’m far from perfect, but He also knows that His ways are far greater than mine.
Learning to trust in Him is the greatest discipline we can ever practice. In the ultimate end He will never disappoint.
There is a reason why Moses chose God’s presence over the promise land, and why the Apostles rejoiced in suffering for the sake of Christ.
They believed in God, gave their lives to Him and He completed their joy.
Trust Him.
Soli Deo Gloria
Soli Deo Gloria
Soli Deo Gloria 