There are many things in this life to be anxious about. And our natural tendency is to lean on our own understanding. But this only fuels our anxiety, as true peace is only found as we live by faith – living courageously and wise while trusting the outcomes to God.
Each day we’re faced with countless decisions. And, of course, we want to make the right choice, especially when it comes to the well being of our family. But some decisions are not objectively right or wrong. For instance, do we send our kids to public or private schools, pursue pharmaceutical medicine or take more natural approaches, or buy a house in the city or the country? There’s no one right answer for such questions, but, at some point, decisions have to be made.
Our typical approach is then to do our research and weigh the pros and cons. And much of this is simply wise stewardship. But we err into faithlessness when we feel it’s up to us to figure out the right answer and live in fear of making the wrong choice.
To live by faith is not putting our head in the sand and walking willfully ignorant and uninformed. We have the duty and responsibility to discern the paths before us. And many become clear as we filter them through what God has already revealed to us personally.
But we can remain confident in faith even when uncertainty remains. Faith anchors our hope and trust ultimately in Jesus Christ himself. As such, we don’t have to burden ourselves with figuring everything out. We trust God is guiding us on the path we should go – the path that leads to more life with him.
This path will still include suffering, but it’s suffering that conforms us into the image of Christ. And even in our suffering there is peace because God is with us. But we cannot enjoy the fullness of God’s peace without first living by faith. Many fears and anxieties dissipate as our faith increases.
In the end, if you want a life of peace you must live by faith, as true peace is only found in God. Trusting your own understanding is the path of never-ending worry.
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