Building Trust

Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.

James 1:17 (CEV)

What are you afraid to lose? A scientist named Maslow came up with a “hierarchy of needs”—a list of needs that must be met for people to feel fulfilled. It includes, in this order: shelter and food, safety and health, love, respect and esteem, and self-actualization (which means becoming your best).

We are worried, then, when we are afraid these needs won’t be met. And this changing world—with viruses, wars, storms, bullying, social pressure, etc.—threatens to leave those needs unfulfilled.

All the changes around us can make it hard to feel secure, to feel safe, and at peace.

But there is one thing that never changes—God. He is the provider of all our needs, and since he never changes, we don’t have to worry that our needs will not be met. No matter what happens, God remains the same, and he promises to take care of us.

Trusting God is the key to getting over the worries that the changing world brings. You can build your trust in God through praying to him, reading and thinking about the words in the Bible, and spending more time with other people who know and love him.

When you feel nervous about all the changes happening around you, read today’s Scripture verse and remind yourself that true peace comes from trusting the unchanging God.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

The word meditation means “deeply thinking about something.” To meditate on God’s Word, you can pause for a moment, take a deep breath, put away other distractions like phones or TV, and think about what those specific words mean. Set a timer for five minutes and try to meditate on today’s Scripture verse. Listen to what God might be trying to teach you through his Word.

INSPIRATION

“Nothing is a surprise to God. Nothing is a problem for God. Nothing is a mistake by God. Anything is possible with God.”

—Anne Voskamp, from her book One Thousand Gifts

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Numbers 23:19

Malachi 3:6a

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24

2 Timothy 2:11–13

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This devotional was written by Tonia Gutting for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage Military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your Military family, check out our website.www.myherosquad.org.