Doses of Encouragement: A 3-Day Parenting Planಮಾದರಿ

Trust Him

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart . . . and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When the decision was made years ago to move the ministry from Arcadia, California, to Colorado Springs, I (Shirley Dobson) knew it was a positive change—yet I did not welcome it with enthusiasm. I felt I needed the support system we had developed in California. Our friends there saw us not as ministry leaders, but as just “Jim and Shirley.” We’d been in one another’s weddings and had babies together. For years we’d had them over to celebrate the Fourth of July with barbecued hamburgers and games in our backyard. I grieved to leave this safe and loving circle of friends, and to say good-bye to my parents and both of our children.

In Colorado, I continued to wrestle with feeling sorry for myself and missing home, family, and friends. Yet I still prayed for the Lord’s direction. One day I was standing in the bathroom preparing for work when I felt His presence. “Shirley,” He seemed to say, “I’m not concerned about your happiness; I’m concerned that you are in My will, and My will is that you be in Colorado.”

From that point on, a new peace filled my heart. The lingering feelings of discontent left me. Though I still miss my roots and friends, I now can see God’s hand in it all. I have stretched and grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Over the years my old friends have moved, too. Only a few of those couples still live in that area of California, and we see our family almost as often now as before.

When you are discouraged about your kids, your career, your lack of friends, or anything else, don’t let it stop you from speaking to God. He will encourage you as you seek Him: “I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5).

The Lord may not answer you as specifically as He did after my move to Colorado. He may not give you the answer you want at all. Yet He loves you and always responds with your best interests in mind. That’s encouragement you can count on.

Questions for Today . . .

• Have I been resisting a change or transition because I’m clinging to comfort rather than seeking God’s will?
• In what areas of my life do I need to surrender my desire for happiness in exchange for deeper trust in God’s plan?

Prayer . . .

Lord, help me to trust Your will even when it's hard to let go of what feels familiar and safe. Remind me that Your plans are rooted in love and that true peace comes from walking in obedience to You.

(Excerpted from Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Parents. Used with permission.)

The Christian life is supposed to be wonderful, right? But when circumstances in life don’t add up—when it seems like God doesn’t make any sense at all—our faith can come crashing down.

When God Doesn't Make Sense, a 10-day email series from the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, explores the depths of hardship and examines its purpose. Spend a few minutes a day reading the wisdom of Dr. Dobson, and be strengthened in your faith as you learn why dark valleys can bring life’s greatest blessing—a closer walk with Jesus.

Start Day 1