Confusion can do more than make us feel unsettled. If we let it linger, it can start making decisions for us. It tells us things will never change, our mistakes have ruined our future or God might not come through. Before long, we start living as though those thoughts are true.
David knew what it was like to face uncertainty. In Psalm 63, he was in the wilderness with trouble all around him. Still, he said God could satisfy him like the richest food. David understood that his surroundings didn’t have to determine what was happening in his heart.
We all have desires. The question is where they’re taking us. Some move us toward God’s best. Others can hurt our health, relationships and future. Jesus said in Matthew 7:11 that our heavenly Father gives good gifts to those who ask Him. James tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from God, who doesn’t change like shifting shadows. Our circumstances may change. God’s goodness won’t.
So how do we move from confusion to confidence?
We start by remembering what God has done. David said, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.”
Maybe you’ve had one of those nights when your mind won’t slow down. That’s a time to remember how God has carried you before. Fear says nothing will get better. God’s faithfulness tells another story.
We also need to receive God’s help. David wasn’t saying, “I’ve got this.” He knew God would help him through it. There are times when hope alone isn’t enough. We need to accept the help God gives us.
And when we mess up, running away from God or His church won’t help. Run toward Him. Let people pray with you. Listen to the guidance He puts around you.
We should also honor God with gratitude. David rejoiced while he was still in the wilderness. His situation wasn’t wonderful, but he knew God was. Philippians 4:4 tells us to rejoice in the Lord always.
That’s where our confidence comes from. We don’t have to trust in our own strength when we can trust the One who promises to hold us up.
Don’t let confusion write the ending of your story. Remember what God has done, receive His help and thank Him along the way.
You can move forward with confidence because He is still at work, even when you can’t see how it will all come together.
