“God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to.” ~ Elisabeth Elliot
“In God we trust” is written on all our coins and paper currency in the United States of America. You are most likely carrying this phrase with you right now, so go ahead: check out your coins and bills. You’ll find it printed somewhere on each one. Most don’t pay much attention to this national motto. Despite the modern political debate about whether or not our currency should bear the mention of God, it’s still a declaration of our nation. Anytime we experience tough economic times and financial uncertainty, there is a particular irony in the presence of that phrase on America’s currency. It is, however, a wisdom principle taught in the book of Proverbs.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)
This is an amazing leadership principle that will serve you well. It is also a valuable mindset if you are ever facing challenging and uncertain situations. My guess is that you are dealing with some type of uncertain situation in your life today or at least have someone close to you who is. Leaders are problem solvers. Difficult circumstances naturally come to leaders. True leaders don’t run from them. They face them head on. The question is: Who do you trust? Do you trust your own knowledge and abilities to solve every problem? Or do you trust in God to give you His wisdom and discernment?
Take a minute to read the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 again very slowly. Let the hope and promise of this passage wash over you and give you peace and confidence in your Heavenly Father’s love for you. He wants you to trust in Him and seek His solutions for your life and leadership.
What challenge are you facing today? Rewrite this passage as a personal affirmation and name your problem within it: “Lord, I’m trusting you with all my heart to ________________ ; I’m not depending on my own understanding anymore. I’m seeking your will in this situation and trusting you to guide me in the right path forward.”
Whatever it is you need to trust God for today, humbly ask for His help. When you trust God, you set an example for those you lead to do the same. Think about someone you could encourage by sharing this wisdom principle about trusting God.
As a Christian leader, your trust in God points others to Him as the source of your confidence. When you model trust in God, you declare faith and hope in Him. So trust in God today for whatever may come your way.