Do you trust God? No, really, do you FULLY. TRUST. GOD?

Many times I have struggled with the attitude that I can handle life on my own. I've got an independent streak... Well, actually, let's just admit that I can be stubborn as a mule. Yet, in the end, I find myself weary and inadequate to handle all the curveballs that come my way. Then I remember Matt 11:28:
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Sadly, I realize that far too often I neglect the "Come to me" part. It's so easy to look for answers in a "self help" book or in the advice of a good friend-- and don't get me wrong, those things can be helpful-- but will they truly provide REST to one's soul? Our lives on earth are a vapor, but God is eternal. His wisdom existed before creation. He knows what our hearts need. His Word is the ultimate counsel and His love is the ultimate comfort. He knows us inside and out!

With such an Awesome God at the helm, why would we hesitate to give our trust to Him?

Maybe we are afraid. Afraid that what God *knows* is best for us, won't match up with what we *want* to be best for us... Or that it will take too long... Or fill in the blank ... 
But Proverbs 29:25 says:
"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe."

Maybe we are letting the things of the world overwhelm us, allowing our energy to go toward worry, rather than prayer and study. 
But Proverbs 16:20 says:
"Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."

Maybe we just want to be "the one in control" or simply put, our pride gets in the way. Again Proverbs has the answer:
"A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered." 28:25-26

We've all got excuses-- I know I'm guilty of all of them!

But here's the kicker! If we want rest for our souls, we know right where to find it. We have to make time for God's Word and it needs to fill our hearts and our thoughts.

As Christians, we are assured not only do "...all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Rom 8:28,

But also that "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Cor 1:9

God will take care of us and He is the definition of trustworthy.

Praise God for His patience as we learn to trust Him more with all aspects of the lives He blessed us with!!!

I leave you with this beautiful picture, painted by the words of Jeremiah:

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8