Adonai Pt 2: Trusting in the God Who Is Able – Overcoming Anxiety with Faith
Do you ever find yourself weighed down by burdens and worries, unsure of how to overcome the challenges you face? It’s natural to feel anxious when life presents us with difficult situations, but how we perceive God in those moments can make all the difference. In times of uncertainty, do you believe that God is capable of guiding you through? Do you believe that He is who He says He is?
The last ‘Names of God’ blog considered the scriptures from Deuteronomy 10:17 that reminds us that our God is “God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome.” Through His might and strength, He is fully capable of addressing our concerns and providing for our needs.
Consider the story of Abraham in Genesis. Despite his doubts and uncertainties, God revealed Himself as “Adonai,” the Lord of Lords, and entered into a covenant with Abraham, demonstrating His desire for a relationship with His people. Just as God proved Himself faithful to Abraham, He remains faithful to us today, inviting us into a deeper connection with Him.
Yet, there are often barriers that prevent us from fully trusting in God’s ability. Just as Joshua and the people of Israel in Joshua 10 faced five kings blocking their path to victory, we encounter five senses—smell, feeling, sight, hearing, and taste—that can lead us astray. These senses, when governed by anxiety and doubt, can obscure our faith in God’s power.
For example, ‘king Smell’ represents the lingering scent of past trials and failures that taint our perspective on life. But just as God delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace without even the smell of smoke, He can cleanse us from the remnants of our past struggles.
Similarly, ‘king Feeling’ often leads us astray, causing us to rely on our emotions rather than God’s promises. Yet, as followers of Christ, we must learn to trust in His word above our ever-changing feelings.
Additionally, ‘king Sight’ tempts us to focus on the apparent impossibilities before us, rather than fixing our eyes on the Lord. Like Elisha’s servant, we may be overwhelmed by what we see, but God calls us to lift our gaze to Him, the source of our strength.
Furthermore, ‘king Hearing’ can deceive us with worldly messages that contradict God’s truth. Instead, we must attune our ears to the voice of God, listening for His guidance in every situation.
Lastly, ‘king Taste’ represents our spiritual discernment, whether we’re tasting of the world or tasting and seeing that the Lord is good. Just as Elisha purified the stew with flour, we must infuse every aspect of our lives with God’s word, trusting in His goodness even in the midst of trials.
In conclusion, let us remember that God is Able. Despite the challenges we face and the doubts that assail us, He remains faithful and capable of overcoming any obstacle. Just as Joshua commanded the defeat of the five kings in Joshua 10, let us silence the voices of doubt in our lives and trust wholeheartedly in the God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).