But we need to become peaceful as we rest in Him, trusting that in the words of King David, "your times are in His very capable hands" (Ps. 31:15, paraphrased).
"I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, You are my God. My times are in Your hands; deliver me from the hands of my foes and those who pursue me and persecute me" (Ps. 31:13,15 AMP).
In this chapter the Psalmist is saying that he trusted God to deliver him, and he trusted Him to do it at the right time. Trust requires us to say, "My times are in Your hands" (paraphrase).
I have learned that trust requires us to accept that some questions will be unanswered and to place our times in God's hands - believing that even though we do not know all the answers, He does. He has a perfect timing for all things in our lives. We all desire and believe for good things to happen in our lives, NOW - not later!
As we continuously mature in the Christian life, we learn to believe for things not NOW, but in God's perfect timing. Hebrews 11:1 says, "NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." We can always have faith now, but we cannot always have the manifestation now.
Trusting God often requires not knowing how God is going to accomplish what needs to be done and not knowing when He will do it. We always say, "God is never late," but He is generally not early either. Why? Because He uses those opportunities to stretch our faith in Him, and we grow during times of waiting.
Trust is not inherited; it is learned! We learn to trust God by going through various experiences that require trust. By seeing God's faithfulness over and over, we let go of trusting ourselves, and gradually we enter God's rest and place our trust in Him.
Looking at it like this, it is easy to see how timing plays an important part in learning to trust God. If He did everything we asked for immediately, we would never grow and develop. Timing and trust are twins. They work side by side.
(Tulsa: Harrison House, 2002) All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on the mind, mouth, moods and attitudes. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.
