Daily Devotional: Trusting God In Every Circumstance

“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you (Psalm 9:10).”  

We just got back from a much needed family vacation. My wife and I took our three sons to Busch gardens, Adventure Island, and The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida. This was a nice getaway for us before the boys go back to school in the next couple of weeks.

One of the best memories I will take away from this trip is when my oldest son Evan and I were waiting in line for the Montu roller coaster. Halfway through the line, my son started getting worried and asked if we could pray. I said yes of course, and we began asking the Lord to protect us, alleviate any anxiety, and to enjoy the ride experience.

To see my son praying and relying on God was one of the highlights of the trip because it demonstrated to me the work of the Holy Spirit in his heart and mind. He was trusting God in every circumstance. What a testimony of God’s goodness!

Life is like a roller coaster, isn’t it? We go through highs and lows, rough patches and smooth patches. These highs can include our successes and enjoyable experiences. They can also encompass our failures and difficult situations. No matter what happens, whether good or bad, it’s important to trust God in every circumstance.

Proverbs 30:9-10 says it best: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, `Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

So no matter whether we are on the high or low of our roller coaster life, we should always be content and praise the Lord. Because our successes can cause us a false sense of security, tempting us to neglect God. On the other hand, if we are poor and needy, it may tempt us to become desperate and steal–bringing shame to the name of God.

Where are you currently at in the roller coaster of life? Are you at the top or in the valley? Are you experiencing turbulence or is it mostly a calm and peaceful ride? Whatever circumstances you are in, keep seeking God. Blessings!

Devotional written by Chad A Damitz (Master of Divinity, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)