What practical steps can we take to trust God during overwhelming situations? Setting the scene: David’s cry and our chaos “Let not the floodwaters engulf me, nor the depths swallow me up; let not the Pit close its mouth over me.” (Psalm 69:15) David pictures himself treading water with exhaustion setting in. His plea is raw, honest, and desperate—exactly how overwhelming seasons feel to us. God preserved his words so we would know how to respond when our own waves rise. Seeing the storm for what it is • Acknowledge the reality instead of minimizing it (Psalm 69:1–2). • Recognize the spiritual element—opposition, discouragement, and doubt are often intertwined (Ephesians 6:12). • Admit personal insufficiency. The sooner we accept “I can’t,” the sooner we invite God’s “I will” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Practical steps to trust God when the floodwaters rise 1. Cry out specifically – Name the threat as David did (“floodwaters,” “depths,” “the Pit”). – Philippians 4:6–7: “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 2. Anchor in promises – Write down key verses and read them aloud: • Isaiah 43:2 — He will be with you through the waters. • Hebrews 13:5 — “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Rehearse truth until it drowns out fear. 3. Remember past deliverances – Psalm 77:11–12: “I will remember the deeds of the LORD.” – Keep a journal of answered prayers for quick reference when panic returns. 4. Fix eyes on Christ, not the surge – Hebrews 12:2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.” – Peter walked on water until he looked at the waves (Matthew 14:29–31). – Deliberately shift mental focus from circumstances to the Savior. 5. Choose worship as a weapon – Psalm 69:30: “I will praise God’s name in song.” – Singing truth realigns the heart faster than silent worry. 6. Lean on the body of Christ – Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens.” – Share struggles with trusted believers who will pray and speak Scripture back to you. 7. Act in faith-filled obedience – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word.” – Take the next right step, however small, believing God meets you in motion. 8. Cast and keep casting cares – 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” – When worries resurface, treat them like boomerangs—keep throwing them back. Fuel for the journey • Romans 15:4: “Everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” • Memorize one verse per week related to trust. • Replace media that feeds fear with content that feeds faith. Stepping forward with confidence The waves may keep crashing, but the God who set their boundaries (Job 38:11) stands beside you. Follow David’s pattern: cry out, cling to promises, worship, and walk on—in confidence that the same Lord who rescued him will keep you from being swallowed up. |
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