Christians: I need some scripture recommendations on trusting God, not yourself

[laurajetter]

I have a friend who seems to be overwhelmed lately. She has a DS3, DS2, and has a 3rd on the way (she wants a BIG family!). She has the kids active in many activities/play dates, is the head of a couple different moms' groups, teaches childbirth classes and is a doula. On top of all that, her DS3 has numerous allergies (which as many of you know makes life a lot harder) and just this week he had a scary episode and was diagnosed with asthma.

In a post to one of the moms' groups, she was venting about a bad day she had (the day her son had labored breathing, almost got into a car accident because of a passing car, etc.) and she was also beating herself up about maybe not being the best mom she could be, saying what if I had done this better, or that better he wouldn't have so many allergies, etc.

Everyone knows she is a wonderful mom, and I know she knows it deep down too, but she really worries about uncontrollable things way too much. I know I've come across bible verses that talk about the importance of trusting in God and not ourselves and I'd like to send her some because it really seems she is trying to control everything, which she can't. The problem is, I'm having trouble locating the type of verses I'm thinking of. Yes, I've used the directory in the back of my bible that lists every verse that has the word 'trust' in it, but that is so exhaustive and it's taking me forever to go through each one.

I've also been searching in online bible search engines by topic but haven't found one that has the message I'm trying to convey; I want it to speak to the idea that we cannot keep trying to handle every single thing in our lives on our own; we need to trust in God that he is in control and we just need to have faith in him and let go of our tendencies to want to do it ourselves.

I know about Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Yes, that's the right idea, but I could've sworn there were other verses somewhere that expounded upon that idea? Maybe in the New Testament?

Anyway, if you know of any scripture that might help please let me know! Thanks.

 

[SydneyBristow]

This is one I always read when I'm feeling stressed out.

Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)

Do Not Worry

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

not a scripture verse but a song, listen to it. Caedmans Call.... Thankful.

 

[TheGoofster]

Here's a couple of verses that are really helpful when we are dealing with difficult times or situations.

Isaiah 43:2
"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee"

Rom. 8:28
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

2 Cor. 4:17
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory"

2 Cor. 12:9
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

I hope these help. I know it's not exactly what you asked for, but it sounds like your friend is going through some difficult times right now, and hopefully these verses might help her to realize that these times will indeed happen, but they can actually help us learn to trust in Christ even more.

 

[live4christp1]

Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and they are safe.

 

[Nik's Mom]

My favorite during those times when I feel overwhelmed:
Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

 

[Buckalew11]

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.

This is a true favorite of mine. Oh whoops, I see you already have it. Well, I think it is perfect. She needs to understand that with motherhood you seem to birth guilt right along with a baby. Most moms worry about how they are doing and if they are doing the best for their children. It is a daily thing that she'll need to wake-up and give to God everyday IMHO. I wish her well. You are so kind to care for her this way.

 

[breezy1077]

I love Psalm 91 right now. I try to recite it daily. To me, it speaks of protection and trust - I hope it helps...

Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a]

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

 

[minkydog]

I love Psalm 91 right now. I try to recite it daily. To me, it speaks of protection and trust - I hope it helps...

Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a]

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

This is one of my very favorite passages. I believe the Lord laid it on my heart when I was going through a very difficult time. My youngest was about 6 months old and it was obvious something was terribly wrong with him. None of the doctors could figure it out and he was failing to thrive. I cried and prayed day & night over this child--the situation was desperate. One day as I was driving to work (and crying) I heard the voice of the Lord command, "Be still!" I just about drove off the road! Later that same night, as I was kissing my sleeping son the Lord spoke again "I have given this child my Promise. Psalm 91" I ran to find my Bible and there it was--five promises: I will deliver him from the pestilence, I will rescue him,I will protect him, I will answer him, and I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. That showed me that God recognized my son, knew what was wrong, and had promised to not only to protect him but had granted him long life! Even more important, it showed me that my very disabled son recognized God, calls on him, loves him and acknowleges His name!

Christian is now 13. He is non-verbal, but we frequently see him carrying on animated "conversations" with something we can't see. We have often joked that "Christian is talking to the angels again." Who knows?

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

 

[nannerbadnanner]

Here is my favorite Psalm. I love the verse about being overwhelmed because it really sounds like that is what your friend is experiencing right now. I think these verses talk not only about trustig, but about resting in God when circumstances seem to hard to bear.

Psalm 61

1 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

4I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

 

[nosoupforyou]

Listen to this song by Casting Crowns. It's called "Praise You in this Storm." It's awesome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw

 

[nannerbadnanner]

Another passage for you....I was at a conference recently (where almost all attendees were stressed moms!). The following passage from Mark was used, and it truly was a revelation to me. In the midst of utter chaos, this woman chose to serve and worship Christ the only way she knew how. She was roundly condemned, but Jesus said "She did what she could." The challenge to all of us was to do what we can. Christ was sent in to the world to be a Savior, not us. We often feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders, but it isn't. He asks us to do what we can. I know this doesn't specifically use the word trust, but choosing to do what we can, we are trusting that God knows how to take care of the rest.

Mark 14
The Plot to Kill Jesus
1 After (A) two days it was the Passover (B) and the Festival (C) of Unleavened Bread. (D) The chief priests and the scribes (E) were looking for a treacherous (F) way to arrest and kill Him. (G) 2 "Not during the festival," they said, "or there may be rioting among the people."


The Anointing at Bethany
3 While (H) He was in Bethany (I) at the house of Simon who had a serious skin disease, (J) as He was reclining at the table, (K) a woman came with an alabaster jar of pure and expensive fragrant oil of nard. She broke the jar and poured it on His head. (L) 4 But some were expressing indignation to one another: "Why has this fragrant oil been wasted? 5 For this oil might have been sold for more than 300 denarii (M) and given to the poor." (N) And they began to scold her.
6 Then Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a noble thing (O) for Me. 7 You always have the poor (P) with you, and you can do good for them whenever you want, but you do not always have Me. (Q) 8 She did what she could; she has anointed My body (R) in advance for burial. (S) 9 I assure you: (T) Wherever the gospel (U) is proclaimed in the whole world, (V) what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her."

10 Then (W) Judas Iscariot, (X) one of the Twelve, (Y) went to the chief priests (Z) to hand Him over (AA) to them. 11 And when they heard this, they were glad and promised to give him silver. (AB) [a] So he started looking for a good opportunity to betray (AC) Him.

 

[Buckalew11]

This is one of my very favorite passages. I believe the Lord laid it on my heart when I was going through a very difficult time. My youngest was about 6 months old and it was obvious something was terribly wrong with him. None of the doctors could figure it out and he was failing to thrive. I cried and prayed day & night over this child--the situation was desperate. One day as I was driving to work (and crying) I heard the voice of the Lord command, "Be still!" I just about drove off the road! Later that same night, as I was kissing my sleeping son the Lord spoke again "I have given this child my Promise. Psalm 91" I ran to find my Bible and there it was--five promises: I will deliver him from the pestilence, I will rescue him,I will protect him, I will answer him, and I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. That showed me that God recognized my son, knew what was wrong, and had promised to not only to protect him but had granted him long life! Even more important, it showed me that my very disabled son recognized God, calls on him, loves him and acknowleges His name!

Christian is now 13. He is non-verbal, but we frequently see him carrying on animated "conversations" with something we can't see. We have often joked that "Christian is talking to the angels again." Who knows?

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

Awesome, just awesome!!!
I, too, have heard like that.
When my dad was so sick and dying, I was outside taking a shower and thinking about how I just couldn't go through losing him, I wasn't ready and how would I make it through. Clearly I heard the verse that says "Oh Death, Where is thy sting?" It brough immediate comfort and right then I knew God with be with me every step of the way.

Funny story, I had an older friend get made at me because I did not chose to use her for my real estate agent (DH and I went with someone neutral instead of my friend or his friend). She "hated" me for years. I had never had anyone dislike me like she did. One early morning I wake up to this voice that said,"get up and go write her a note." I had the nerve to sit up in bed and and say,"I'm gonna get my shower now." Again, I heard, "Go write her a note." I offered a few excuses like "I had been wronged, not her." Uh, you don;t tell god "no" very easily when your His, So off I went with a notecard, pen and my Bible. "What am I supposed to say to her? She hates me." I flipped open my Bible to to the verse about *if anyone wrongs you, make it right with them* Obediently, I wrote the note and sent it w/o even proofing it. 2 days later the phone rings and it is her. We made up, not to be best friends (never were) but that was one large burden lifted from me for sure.

 

[breezy1077]

This is one of my very favorite passages. I believe the Lord laid it on my heart when I was going through a very difficult time. My youngest was about 6 months old and it was obvious something was terribly wrong with him. None of the doctors could figure it out and he was failing to thrive. I cried and prayed day & night over this child--the situation was desperate. One day as I was driving to work (and crying) I heard the voice of the Lord command, "Be still!" I just about drove off the road! Later that same night, as I was kissing my sleeping son the Lord spoke again "I have given this child my Promise. Psalm 91" I ran to find my Bible and there it was--five promises: I will deliver him from the pestilence, I will rescue him,I will protect him, I will answer him, and I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. That showed me that God recognized my son, knew what was wrong, and had promised to not only to protect him but had granted him long life! Even more important, it showed me that my very disabled son recognized God, calls on him, loves him and acknowleges His name!

Christian is now 13. He is non-verbal, but we frequently see him carrying on animated "conversations" with something we can't see. We have often joked that "Christian is talking to the angels again." Who knows?

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

Your story brought me to tears (not an easy thing). I love this Psalm.

 

[Barb D]

2 Chron 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.

 

[breezy1077]

Awesome, just awesome!!!
I, too, have heard like that.
When my dad was so sick and dying, I was outside taking a shower and thinking about how I just couldn't go through losing him, I wasn't ready and how would I make it through. Clearly I heard the verse that says "Oh Death, Where is thy sting?" It brough immediate comfort and right then I knew God with be with me every step of the way.

Funny story, I had an older friend get made at me because I did not chose to use her for my real estate agent (DH and I went with someone neutral instead of my friend or his friend). She "hated" me for years. I had never had anyone dislike me like she did. One early morning I wake up to this voice that said,"get up and go write her a note." I had the nerve to sit up in bed and and say,"I'm gonna get my shower now." Again, I heard, "Go write her a note." I offered a few excuses like "I had been wronged, not her." Uh, you don;t tell god "no" very easily when your His, So off I went with a notecard, pen and my Bible. "What am I supposed to say to her? She hates me." I flipped open my Bible to to the verse about *if anyone wrongs you, make it right with them* Obediently, I wrote the note and sent it w/o even proofing it. 2 days later the phone rings and it is her. We made up, not to be best friends (never were) but that was one large burden lifted from me for sure.

I have friends who have heard His voice. They said it sounds like a whisper, but definately a voice. I think it's so wonderful! I hope I get to hear it one day...

What did it sound like to y'all?

 

[Buckalew11]

In the shower it was that " still small voice", very gentle.

I am not sure when it woke me up. I remember it was loud enough to wake me up at about 5 a.m. (I do not wake up at 5 unless I'm going to the World!!)
However, after I said,"I'm going to get a shower now." It was a definite stern voice, not necessarily "loud" but I didn't get my shower then either, LOL.
I think it is a funny story (I'm sure for some it makes me certifiable, LOL) but when I think about *telling God "no" *, it really sickens my stomach. Who tells God no?!

 

[minkydog]

I have friends who have heard His voice. They said it sounds like a whisper, but definately a voice. I think it's so wonderful! I hope I get to hear it one day...

What did it sound like to y'all?

I have heard the voice of the Lord on three occasions, all of them involving my children. All three times the voice seemed to be audible, though no one else was around, so I don't know. All three times the voice "filled up my ears", so to speak, and blocked out all sound. It felt very intense.

The last time I heard God speak to me like that we were going through a particularly rough patch with DS22. He was in his teens, very depressed, acting out, failing school, and just not in a lovely place. At the time I feared for him and I feared for my life, because he told me he hated me every single day, and wished I were dead. I prayed for this child every day, all day, and one afternoon God said, "Just love him." That's all. Just love him. The reassurance was that God was still in control and that it was not my job to save my son--God would take care of him. "Just love him."

While I'd like to say that everything magically got better and my son turned into a straight A student, and life was all kittens & puppies, it didn't happen. But my attitude changed and then DSs attitude changed. We found the medical help we needed and slowly turned the Titanic around. Of course, we still hit the iceberg (twice!) but God was true--He was still in control and he brought us through it.

Today DS is 22. He graduated HS and has 3 semesters of college. He is generally happy, has plans for his life, and has thanked me "for not killing me or selling me to the circus!" Indeed, God's ways are not our ways.