"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." - Psalm 32:8 NIV
Packing and moving halfway across the country was exhausting, especially while I was already dealing with insomnia from midlife hormone changes. I was looking forward to new beginnings, but just one month after our move, before I had even made much progress unpacking and settling into our new home, a back injury changed life as I knew it. Chronic pain and physical limitations brought many of my normal routines in home and work life to a standstill, except in the places where I had no choice but to keep pushing through. As recovery progressed slowly over the next year, caregiving for a parent became an unexpected role. I was nowhere near physically, mentally, or emotionally ready for that responsibility on top of my existing challenges, family needs, and everyday household responsibilities.
In the middle of all of this, I was still trying to steward the business, ministry, and calling God had given me. But the only thing I felt certain of was uncertainty. My capacity was significantly limited in a way I had never experienced before. I found myself grieving not only the suffering of my loved one, but also the losses I felt in my body, work, and daily life. The landscape of my life had changed in ways I had not expected, and I had to trust God more than ever to help me navigate the unfamiliar, rocky path one step at a time. Trusting God is central to walking with Him, but learning to trust God during major life changes is not always easy. Whether we’re experiencing a life change that is positive, painful, or layered with mixed emotions, we can find ourselves stuck in uncertainty about what comes next, overwhelmed by the many possibilities or problems, or feeling unsettled because this life season is not what we expected.
Psalm 32:8 reminds us that God does not leave us wondering, wandering, or alone during these seasons of life. He provides wisdom when we don’t know what to do, direction when we don’t know which way to go, and the assurance that He sees us when we feel like we’re on our own. What amazed me was that even when my capacity was limited, God’s work in my life was not. I did have to do less, but He still opened doors that fit my difficult season of life. He gave me guidance and grace to keep moving forward in what He was calling me to do. Trusting God when life changes does not always mean the season will become easier or that we’ll be able to do more. As we prayerfully seek what He is asking of us right where we are, we can release what is not for us right now and receive His strength and wisdom for one step forward at a time.
When the landscape of your life changes, trusting in God can begin with practices that embrace the promises of Psalm 32:8.
Trust God to instruct and teach you.
Let go of your own expectations about what this season should look like. Ask Him to show you what matters most right now and how to move forward in His way and at His pace. As you follow God’s leading, you continue becoming the person He created you to be and walking in what He is calling you to do. In Him, you can find direction, even in uncertainty.
Trust God to counsel you.
Let go of the tendency to make decisions from your own understanding, pressure, or fear. Bring Him what is weighing on your heart, the questions on your mind, and the concerns in your life. He can provide truth and wisdom for the specific situations you are facing. In Him, you can find rest even when you feel overwhelmed.
Trust God to keep His loving eye on you.
Let go of feeling like you’re on your own, behind, or failing because life is different in this season. God sees your limits, responsibilities, and circumstances. He knows your needs, desires, and dreams. He is always with you and always at work within you and your life. He looks upon you with love and walks beside you through all the changes in life. In Him, you can find peace, even when you’re feeling unsettled.
When we don’t have the clarity, capacity, or control we would like during challenging seasons of life, trusting God changes everything because He is faithful to guide us one step at a time.
Let's pray...
Lord,
When the landscape of life changes, help me trust You to guide me. Give me wisdom, direction, and the assurance that You see me. Teach me how to trust You in transition, in difficult times, and in every situation I do not yet understand.
Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 5 Comforting Psalms for When We Worry: A Guided Reflection Journal
GO DEEPER:
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Olga Rolenko
