When all the things you’ve learned to depend on fall apart, it’s difficult to know where to turn. You’ve grown up with things that you never questioned because they were always true. You knew you could visit your family and friends any time you wanted to do so, or that you could find what you needed at the grocery store. You went to the bookstore, or had coffee with a friend at your favorite spot. These were things you didn’t have to question. In the same way, you have people in your life you depend on and who depend on you. You’re the one they go to when troubles abound. You make a difference.
Unfortunately, if you’ve learned anything with the pandemic, it’s that those little things you always depended on have changed. They may or may not be available when you need them. You may not be able to attend your granddaughter’s college graduation or your best friend’s wedding. You’ve taken on new rules of separation that have put holes in that expected togetherness. It’s disappointing because you have learned you can’t always depend on yourself or others, so what do you do?
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Okay, that’s a great thought, but how does it work? How do you know you can depend on God?
Unlike the friends who can’t visit any time they wish, or the grocery store that can no longer carry the brand of coffee you enjoy most, God doesn’t change. You recognize His faithfulness as you build a relationship with Him. As you talk to each other, listen to each other, and create time for each other, you see His hand at work in your life. The One who designed everything about life on planet Earth, knows exactly what is going on here and is not shocked by any of it. He hasn’t changed. He still rules and is faithful to His creation. You can depend on His help any time you choose to turn in His direction.
Saint Augustine wrote, “Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love and the future to God’s providence.” When you trust with your whole heart and mind, you’ll know the answer to the question of who you can depend on. He doesn’t need anything to bring peace to your soul, except your willingness to trust Him and let Him shine His face upon you.