A Season of…TRUST

Have you ever had the Lord give you a word for the year? Or a phrase, or a scripture? Early in January of this year, the Lord gave me the word TRUST.

I have to admit, I thought that meant it was going to be a tough year. The loss of a loved one came to mind. But honestly, it's been a good year. Those who have journeyed it with me might not have the same opinion, but really, it's been one of the most restful for me. (Not so much my husband—sorry, babe)

In April, I started getting that “nudge” the Lord does to me when He’s setting me up for something. Things were going to change. I started thinking about leaving my job. Crazy, because God gave me that job. It was totally a divine setup, so why would He have me leave?

By mid May it was clear and He wasn’t letting me wait a few more months like I planned. So I put my two-week notice in and by June 2nd, I was unemployed. 

I know some of you are thinking I should have looked for a different job first. That was the plan, really. But God didn’t give me time or permission. He kept saying, TRUST. Okay, Lord, but my husband is not happy with me. 

We were okay financially for a few weeks, so I relaxed, enjoyed the beautiful weather, went camping, went hiking, wrote and published a short story, and started my own business.

It’s amazing how God sets us up. That one-year job gave me the training and skills I needed for the next season. Building an editing business from the ground up and taking a position for a non-profit I love. 

Connections, skills, passion, freedom. There’s nothing like having your office in your gazebo, or a coffee shop, or a park. The Lord returned something to me this past summer. Reconnection with nature, with His Presence, and with joy. 

I saw His hand in everything. Our finances stayed even where they shouldn’t have. Jobs came through the craziest connections. God wasn’t in a hurry, and neither was I. I was in the TRUST ZONE. It wasn’t so much trusting Him in a hard time as it was trusting in what I heard Him say. 

Now you know, opposites attract. My husband is the calm, never ruffled one. Me, not so much. But in this, I was the cool cat basking in the sun, waiting on the Lord. I learned you can’t give someone else your experience with God. You can tell them, but they have to have their own encounter or they’ll just continue to worry. 

There was something else coming, I just didn’t know when. Things kept getting delayed. Honestly, I didn’t mind, but it was wearing on my husband and causing anxiety in our relationship. So to honor my husband, (because the Lord asked what I was willing to do to show honor and love), I stepped out to do what he wanted, knowing it wasn’t what God had planned, but maybe it would work for a short while. God would honor my respect for my husband, right?

But God… and thank God. The Lord stepped in the NEXT DAY and opened the doors that had been delayed. Provision came. And you know what? Abundance with it. Way more than I asked for. Only God could do such a thing. Any other way, and we could dismiss His favor.

That’s what this has been. A season of TRUST, but also one of FAVOR. 

And He’s already given me my word for next year. CONFIDENCE. Walk boldly in His ways. Shake off that spirit of heaviness and put on a garment of praise. It might be a hard season. But I’ve learned He is the One Who Provides. I have trusted and seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 

So I will continue to write what He shows me. Even if it offends. Even if some don’t get it. Even if it isn’t mainstream or a New York Bestseller. My God can do so much more than what the world has to offer. 

I want to encourage you during this season. I know it's one of reflection and thanksgiving, but it's also a hard time of year for many. Yet, there’s still joy in the little blessings. The smallest of favors. In obedience, honor, faithfulness. 

²⁴The Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you];

²⁵The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor], 

And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness];

²⁶ The Lord lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval],

And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].

Numbers 6:24-26 AMP