Recently, My wife and I enjoyed walking across the Gatlinburg Sky Bridge. The views of the mountains were spectacular. I am glad we overcame our fears and hesitations to experience it. Also, in life we all can experience times that are difficult and overwhelming. Doubts and fears can make it even more difficult to deal with during those times. As a Christian, we know that we need to trust God on a daily basis, but it is another thing to know how to actually do that. I don’t have all the answers, but here are some key thoughts that I have found helpful to keep in mind…

T…TAKING TIME throughout the day to TALK with God in prayer. This helps us to keep our focus on His perspective. It reminds us that He is with us, understands us, and can guide us in our thoughts and actions. You don’t have to close your eyes when you pray or pray out loud. Just pray silently to Him as yo go through your day.

R…RELEASE our doubts and fears into God’s hands, knowing that He is bigger than anything we face, and that He loves us more than anyone else.

Sometimes we make a monster in our mind, dwelling on what may or could happen. That is when we just need to stop in that negative thought process and acknowledge that and then give those doubts and fears to the Lord. C.S. Lewis made this powerful observation: “It is not load that breaks you down, It is the way you carry it.” Sometimes we try to do our part and God’s part too, but that does not work. We are limited, but God is not. We need to give our worries and cares to Him, as we are doing what we can about our problems and continue to trust in Him at the same time.

U… UNDERSTANDING that God is working, even when we can’t see it. We live in a world of instant gratification. Prayer is not a drive through window, where we place our order and get our request instantly. We don’t tell God what do and when to do it. The Bible teaches us that God’s understanding is greater than ours …“My thoughts are higher than your thoughts, says the Lord. And My ways are far beyond anything you can imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

S…SEEK God more than His answers. We can use this opportunity to grow in our relationship with God on a deeper level. When we talk to God in prayer, Praise Him for His faithfulness, grace, and mercy in your lie. Thank Him for all the things, even the little things He has and is blessing you with each day.

T…TIMING. Realize that God’s timing is not limited to our personal schedule or plans. Popular inspirational author, Sarah Young has a great perspective on this topic of God’s timing in our lives: “ So when you work in collaboration with the Lord, don’t set limits on what you expect to accomplish. He will give you what you need to keep moving forward step by step.You may not reach your goal as quickly as you like…but you will get there in God’s perfect timing. Refuse to be discouraged by delays or detours; instead, trust in the Lord…and just take the next step.”