“In God we trust” is written on all our coins and paper currency in the United States of America. You are most likely carrying that phrase with you right now so go ahead and check out your coins and bills. You’ll find it printed somewhere on each one. Have you ever paid it much attention? Even with modern political debate as to whether or not our currency should bear the mention of God, it’s still a declaration of our nation. In tough economic times and financial uncertainty, there is a particular irony to having 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; you are probably dealing with some type of uncertain situation in your life today or 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? Now, re-write this passage as a personal affirmation with that situation named 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 in God, you set an example for those you lead to do the same. Who do you need to encourage by sharing with them this wisdom principle about trusting God?
As a Christian leader, your trust in God is a practical testimony of faith and hope. When you model trust in God and you declare your faith and hope in Him. Your actions will speak so much louder than words.
“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