“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
Trusting God Beyond Ourselves
There is something deeply ingrained in us that wants to figure everything out on our own. We take pride in our independence, our ability to plan, to control, to make things happen. But what happens when life reminds us that we are not in control? When plans fall apart, when the answers don’t come, when strength fails—what then? We are in control of the choices me make, the actions we take, and the way we respond to certain circumstances or situations. However, we do not determine the outcome.
God calls us to something greater than self-reliance. He calls us to trust Him, to rely on Him more than our own wisdom or abilities. Trusting God means surrendering the need to have everything figured out and believing that His plans are better than ours, even when we don’t understand them.
Think of Peter stepping out onto the water to walk toward Jesus (Matthew 14:28-31). As long as he fixed his eyes on Jesus, he did the impossible. But the moment he relied on his own perception—focusing on the wind and waves—he began to sink. How often do we do the same? We start in faith, but when challenges come, we revert to our own strength and understanding, only to find ourselves overwhelmed.
Letting go of self-reliance doesn’t mean we do nothing—it means we move forward in obedience, trusting that God will make a way. It means releasing fear, surrendering control, and resting in the truth that God is our provider, our guide, and our strength.
Reflection Time:
In what areas of your life are you leaning on your own understanding instead of trusting God?
How can you take a step of faith today, relying more on Him and less on yourself?
Closing With a Prayer:
Lord, I confess that I often rely on my own strength, wisdom, and plans. But You alone are my source, my guide, and my provider. Help me to release control, to trust You fully, and to walk in faith even when I don’t see the whole path. Strengthen my heart to lean on You and not on myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This week, take a moment each day to release your worries to God. Trust Him, and watch how He works in your life.
You have what it takes, have new hope—there’s more within you.
©️2025 Denise Kilby New Hope MHCLC Assoc. All rights reserved.
