How to Trust God When Your World is Falling Apart
What are you planning to do?Β
I’ve heard this question a few times this month. My life is kind of falling apart right now. After years of holding on for dear life on a shaky foundation of self sufficiency, I am now flat on my face before God.
I can’t fix this one.
I am on my knees.
My empty hands are lifting up to God for support. I can’t do this without His help.
What are you planning to do?Β Today I decided to invite a couple of friends for lunch who are struggling to find firm footing just like me. We shared how we are coping with the unexpected upheaval in our personal lives over soup and salad.
Let me be honest: I don’t have an action plan. I am actually praying Jesus will return as soon as possible so that I don’t have to clean up this mess.
But I smiled and put on my best “I know God’s got this covered” face for my friends.
I want to trust Him.
I just wish I could fix it instead of waiting for Him to work it out.
Friends, I hate change. Waiting is not my love language.
What are you planning to do? I asked my two former co-workers who sat smiling back at me across the table.
“I’m going to take the next month to pray before I make a decision,” she said.
My sweet sister quietly taught me how to surrender my chaos to Christ. Can I tell you she served me a meal much better than the soup and salad I’d ordered.
Best lunch date ever. I needed a strong dose of faith.
Maybe like me, you need a good friend to remind you He is faithful. How do we trust God when our world is falling apart? What if we aren’t sure we have what it takes to face tomorrow?
If you have more questions than answers right now, offer them up to the only One who has the answers.
My friend is offering her doubts and fears to God for the next 30 days, and I can’t wait to see what God is going to do through her. I see Jesus in her.
The wisest man on earth once said we should trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. The original Hebrew word used here in Proverbs 3 for βtrustβ is a picture of a servant lying helpless and facedown waiting for direction from the master.
If you’re facedown and helpless today, thank Him for positioning you in the perfect place for you to experience His Presence. Β
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We Trust God as We Offer Him
Our Patience
We pray through our problems with expectation and wait watchfully for God to act. Β
“Quiet your heart in His presence and pray;Β keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you.Β And donβt think for a moment that the wicked in their prosperityΒ are better off than you.” (Psalm 37:7, TPT)
Our Courage
John Piper says it best: “Christian courage is the willingness to say and do the right thing regardless of the earthly cost, because God promises to help you and save you on account of Christ.”Β
‘Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.β (Joshua 1:9, NIRV)
Our Confidence
Rather than self-confidence, we step forward with God-confidence — securely relying on His strength and standing firm on Truth. Β Β . Β
βBut blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,Β whose confidence is in Him.” (Jeremiah 17:7, NIV)
Our Surrender
I was super convicted by howΒ Pastor Rick Warren unpacked this principle: “You know you’re surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work. You don’t have to always be in charge.” Β (Ouch!)
“Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life,Β and He will provide for you what you desire the most.Β Give God the right to direct your life,Β and as you trust Him along the wayΒ youβll find he pulled it off perfectly!” (Psalm 37:4-5, TPT)
Our Belief
“Keep trusting in the Lord and do what is right in his eyes.Β Fix your heart on the promises of God and you will be secure,Β feasting on His faithfulness.” (Psalm 37:3, NLT)
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When we trust God, we see beyond our chaos and set our focus on His faithful character:
He is True.
“For the word of the Lord holds true,Β and we can trust everything He does.” (Psalm 33:4, NLT)
He is our Refuge.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most HighΒ will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.Β I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.’Β Surely He will save youΒ from the fowlerβs snareΒ and from the deadly pestilence.Β He will cover you with His feathers,Β and under His wings you will find refuge;Β His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:1-4, NIV)
He is our Unfailing Love.
“But I trust in your unfailing love;Β my heart rejoices in Your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5, NIV)
He is our Strength.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield;Β my heart trusts in him, and He helps me.Β My heart leaps for joy,Β and with my song I praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7, NIV)
He is our Treasure.
“And I will give you treasures hidden in the darknessβsecret riches.Β I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord,Β the God of Israel, the one Who calls you by name.” (Isaiah 45:3, NLT)
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This month, I Β invite you to join me in a simple morning exercise to fix our focus on God’s faithfulness.
I’ve created a one-page printable withΒ simple sentence prayers and Scriptures to help you surrender your busy day to God. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and Β grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
As we surrender our messy, falling apart lives to God, we walk with a lighter step. We will no longer carry the weight of trying to resolve our problems, and we make room for God’s presence to fill us with peace. God has the whole world in His mighty hands — including you and me.
When life falls apart, rather than try to fix it just fall at His feet.
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Love this, Lyli!
And I’m reading one of Madeleine L’Engle’s lesser known books about the difference between icons and idols: Penguins and Golden Calves. I just read a few pages before I turn out the light, and it’s been great.
I had only read A Wrinkle in Time before this year, but I purchased a couple of her books and hope to dive in to more of her writing this year and next.
I love that you include so much Scripture, Lyli! Your devotionals are grounded in it, right where we all should be. I’m reading The Apostle: A Life of Paul. It, too, is firmly laced to the Word, weaving it into the story of Paul’s life so much that I feel like I’m doing Bible study as I read. Excellent book!
During our two-week break from Love God Greatly studies, I’m sharing the best devotional I find each day with my group ladies. Today, that will be HOW TO TRUST GOD WHEN YOUR WORLD IS FALLING APART. Many thanks for such encouraging words!
Sounds like a great read, Debbie. Who is the author?
Oh, my, what timely words and Word! Thank you for sharing this; I needed it and passed it on to someone who needs it and will be blessed today by it. Blessings to you.
Yay! So glad that this encouraged you. Praying for your friend today.
Iβm right there with you! The rug was pulled out from under me months ago. There is nothing I can do to fix it. Iβm starting to realize God may not want it βfixedβ. Itβs a heart wrenching path. God and I discuss it almost constantly, Iβve got to get better at listening than talking.
Hereβs what Iβm reading: 31 Verses to Write on Your Heart. Liz Curtis Higgs. Made to Stick. Chip and Dan Heath. Waiting on God Andrew Murray and just for fun The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller.
(I always share!). ????
Praying for you, friend.
I am reading Liz’s book on Proverbs along the same vein.It’s a 31-Day series. Love her!
This is my first time reading your writing, Lyli and I am blessed! I signed up and shared your devotional with my family and friends as our world was turned upside down 3 months ago and we are still adjusting but continue to trust that God can and will bring good from this! I just started doing a Bible Study by Lisa Terquerst, What Happens When Women Walk In Faith. I have followed First 5 for several years and that is how I met you! Blessings!
Praying for you today, Pam
I just sent you an e-mail because you are the winner! I hope that this sweet book encourages you as much as it has me. HUGS
Lyli, you are on the right path. I canβt help but say it. God is glorified by your ministry, and I am grateful to call you, βFriendβ. Thank you for holding steady in Christ and pressing forward in His call for you.
You are such a cheerleader friend. HUGS
Oh my goodness, Lyli! You are seriously in my head with this: “I want to trust Him. I just wish I could fix it instead of waiting for Him to work it out. Friends, I hate change. Waiting is not my love language.”
I needed to read all of this today … thank you. I wish the situation that prompted this was not going on in your life, though. Hugs, sweet friend.
Well, I am glad I am not the only crazy one. π
xo
Lyli, this post was so good. I, too, tell people when asked that God will take care of this for me (whatever the situation), but on the inside I still think of ways I can do it myself. I have to surrender it to Him every morning and sometimes several times during the day. I took notes from this blog post to read everyday just to remind me of God’s faithfulness and how much He loves me. I thank God for you. I shared this post on my FB page. Love spreading the good news!
So glad this encouraged you, Patty! Love and prayers heading your way today.
The Bible says a lot about His unfailing love. I love that. Thanks for hosting!
Yes!!! Makes me smile every time I come across it. Maybe that would make a good blog post. You’ve got me thinking…..
Lyli, I was on my face as my world crashed around me just a few years ago. I often doubted I’d make it through the day and had no power to change the situation. God, though, was strong and faithful when I I had nothing to offer. May you sense His comfort and presence today. I’m lifting you up in prayer before the throne. Blessings, Tammy
Thank you, Tammy.
What a blessing it is to look back and see how God worked through an unbearable season. Your story encourages me. xo
Love your message. I’m right there with you… Come quickly LORD Jesus, so I don’t have to deal with this mess! So sorry you’re in the middle of an upheaval, but your heart so tender to what God is doing is an inspiration! While not earth shattering, I’m in the middle of a couple of things not going the way I planned, and it is such a blessing to watch what God IS doing, even if it isn’t what I wanted. Blessings!
Oh, and I’m finishing up Holy in the Moment and beginning Experiencing God!
Holy Moment sounds like a great read.
The books you are in must be a treasure while you are in the midst of upheaval. Praying for you!
“The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27). That’s what came to mind after reading your post. When the rug is pulled out from under us and there’s nothing we can do, God is there. At first it is agonizing, but we find peace as we rest on Him. Praying for rest, grace, and His wisdom and provision and guidance as you go through this trial.
I love that Scripture. Thanks for reminding me about it. xo
Facedown and waiting – what a picture! Prov. 3:5-6 are two of my favorite Bible verses. Lyli, I can’t imagine how diffcult this season is, but your “facedown and waiting” approach is right on. We’re right here, alongside you. More importantly, our faithful Father stands before you. <3
I read Proverbs 3:5-6 in my quiet time on the morning before all this crazy stuff started. Right on time.
Praying for you today Lyli! β€οΈ
Lyli, I think we’re in similar circumstances. My future looks very uncertain right now, but I love that encouragement your friend gave you! Yes to stepping away from trying to fix, control, work out, and take care of things myself. Surrender is the best place. (I wrote on such a similar theme this week!)
Praying for you during this time of transition, friend.
Lyli, Beautiful words in your post today and it was filled with such rich scripture. Thank you for your vulnerability. I am praying for you. Waiting for God to move is hard. I have been in a waiting place for over 10 years. Yes, I do see progress but it is ever so small. Praying for you right now.
I love hearing you love books. I do too. If only I had time to read all of the books I have.
I have stacks everywhere but on my nightstand right now as I look over I see a journal ” Do More of What Makes You Happy.” and “The Happiness Dare” by Jennifer Dukes Lee
Thanks for sharing. This is definitely a post that needs to be bookmarked. How many times do we think we are the one making the plans, and we are not!?
Currently, I’m reading A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. Good historical fiction that is keeping my attention!
This is such a great and timely post, Lyli! Exactly what I needed in my current season. Love the wisdom of your friend to pray for 30 days before making a decision. Definitely worth sharing!
“When God Winks at You” by Squire Rushnell
Thank you for the blessing of this thought parking message!!
Opps Trought provoking
Hi Lyli, I’ve been there face down waiting for God too. I know how challenging it can be. But God is always faithful. Thank you for sharing so many uplifting scriptures today. Praying for you!
Hugs and prayers xo
super post, lyli. we can all relate. waiting IS God’s love language – or, making us wait, that is! just came across emily freeman’s podcast: The Next Right Thing – recommended by Claire Diaz-Ortiz. Perhaps an encouragement in the wait? Don’t you love lunch with friends?
Love Emily’s podcast!!!
I shared this on Facebook. On my nightstand right now is The Way if Abundance by Ann Voscamp.
Love Ann!
This week brought one of these kind of challenges and I’m praying daily for God’s provision, victory, and my faith through it all. I shared part of this post and your FB page on my FB page. Just found you this week through First 5 and am so touched by your writing already! Thank you.
Welcome, LeAnn! I hope you will be encouraged by my little space on the internet. HUGS
Lyli, your next assignment will be grand! Your armor is brilliantly visible to the body of Christ. Thank you for “Letting your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven” – Matthew 5:16
Psalm 55:22 – He will never let the righteous fall…
Hang in there Lyli – God’s best is yet to come!
Hugs,
Desiree
You, my firend, are sunshine on a rainy day. Love you xo
That Rick Warren quote is just what I needed, but ouch is right! Also, I’m excited to look at your book recommendations. Much love to you, Lyli, and prayers for God’s abundant provision and very clear guidance for you at this time. These seasons of not knowing are so scary. I pray that you will soon look back on this time with amazement at how God led your through.
Thanks praying sister. You are a blessings!
Lyli, in these places I often wish I could fast forward. I *know* God will be faithful but, yes, waiting and walking it out are h a r d. Praying for you friend and already seeing the good fruit God is bringing in this!
Yes, the fast forward button would be nice. Or at least one of those moving escalators like at the airport!
I know that there are lessons to be learned in this valley, but I am a very reluctant learner sometimes.
This year God has really pushed hard for me to better understand the word “faithful .” I actually started a podcast journal for me to organize and document all of the things that I’m learning (if you want to check it out, it’s http://www.botfpodcast.com). It’s been amazing how God has given me the specific things He wants me to hear and say. He has brought books, sermons, conversations, and great websites to help me on my faith journey. Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable, I have only just gotten to you site and I’ve already been blessed and encouraged! If I want to reference your site or quote you, would that be ok?
Lyli, Itβs years later but thank you from my heart for sharing this. For days Iβve been thinking these same thoughts, including βwhere can I go to run from myselfβ and βif I just left town and started over, would anyone notice?β Sometimes life can be so hard to face. The fast forward button sounds good right now. Surrender is so hard for me and I fight at it like a cat over water. Yet there are seasons of my past that remind me how much work God has done and will do if I let go, and pour out my heart and worries to him. Thanks for just being in the same boat and making me feel not so alone. And for having the courage to share and let God work in your life.
Thanks,
Leanne