Finding Joy in Trial: 5 Helpful StepsSample

Step Two: Entrust Your Trial—Give it All to Him with Thanksgiving.

Paul says that rather than be anxious we are to take all of our needs and requests before the Lord in prayer. So today take a few moments to prayerfully consider the different aspects of whatever trial you may be going through. What is happening? What are all of the factors at play? What pain and heartache has it caused or is it causing? Take these things to the Lord. Tell Him all of the details: the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your pain.

· Who is involved?

· What has happened?

· When does it hurt?

· Where does it hurt?

· Why does it hurt?

· How—in what ways—does it hurt?

He knows everything. He has seen everything you have gone through, and He has been with you through it all. In fact, He knows even better than you do. However, it is purposeful to lay it all before Him so you can give it all to Him, trusting Him and depending upon Him. When we do this, we demonstrate our dependence upon Him and faith in His sovereign rule. And Paul promises that when we truly bring these things to the Lord and lay them at His feet, the peace of God will keep our hearts and minds. It will keep us from slipping and sinning and ultimately sinking.

As you contemplate giving all these things into the Lord’s hand, you may find it helpful to write down some of the aspects of your trial so that you can keep track of your thoughts. Remember that even as you write you can be telling it to the Lord and that He is listening. Once you have shared all of the details of your trial with the Lord, entrust each one to Him. Give everything that concerns you over to Him. Place it all into His sovereign, all powerful, all-wise, and loving care. Because He cares for you.

You may have to quickly do this again at the start of each day and, if necessary, throughout the day as well. Some days it might seem as though you have to entrust your cares to Him minute-by-minute. That is okay. That is exactly what He wants us to do. In our weakness He is strong.

Paul also says that we are to bring our requests to the Lord with thanksgiving. So, don’t forget to give thanks as well. Each time you take a moment to entrust your trial to the Lord, make it a point to offer thanksgiving for who God is or something kind He has done for you. Thank Him for what He is doing in the midst of your trial, even if you are unable to see a reason for giving thanks. God is good. God is wise. God is kind. God is love. He is all of these things all of the time. Anything He permits is filtered through His goodness, wisdom, kindness, and love. Trust Him. He knows best—always. Rejoice! And give thanks. There is no shortage of things for which to give thanks!

Each morning when you wake up the first steps you will take even before you step out of bed (and throughout the day) will be:

· Step One: Rejoice in the Lord—Always, Always, Always.

· Step Two: Entrust Your Trial—Give it All to Him with Thanksgiving.