Trusting the Giver More Than the Gift
Warm light on a quiet chair, a small reminder to rest in the Giver while He chooses what is best.
Devotional Credit: In Christ, E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Philippians 2:24 records a simple sentence. I trust in the Lord. E. Stanley Jones invites me to notice those three words, in the Lord. That tiny phrase changes everything. Trust is not a bargain I strike, or a willpower exercise I audit all day. Trust rests in a Person who is wise and good.
Jones points out that when our confidence is anchored in the Lord, apparent delays or detours do not undo us. Paul was not released from prison when he hoped. Yet the Lord gave something larger. Letters reached the Philippians, and the world has been reading them ever since. Trust did not fail. It bore fruit beyond the first request.
This clears the fog for me. I can bring requests without clinging to an outcome. I look to Jesus Himself. He gives what is asked, or He gives something better. Either way, no one who believes in Him is put to shame.
So today I want to keep my gaze on the Giver. He is faithful. He deals with me as a beloved child. The story He is telling is bigger than my plan, and His goodness is never late.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I turn your trust toward the Lord. Trust in Me with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Me and I make your paths straight. Those who believe in My Son are never put to shame. I withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly.
Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Your Father gives good gifts to His children. You ask according to My will and I hear you. I am able to do far more than all you ask or think according to My power at work within you.
Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. Present your requests with thanksgiving and My peace guards your heart and mind. Commit your way to Me. Trust in Me and I act. When the answer differs from your first desire, I am not denying you, I am giving you what is best. My grace is sufficient and My strength is made perfect in weakness.
Hold fast your confidence. Do not throw it away. There is great reward. Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Scripture references: Proverbs 3:5 to 6, Romans 10:11, Psalm 84:11, Matthew 7:7 to 11, 1 John 5:14 to 15, Ephesians 3:20, Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 4:6 to 7, Psalm 37:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 10:35 to 36, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Philippians 2:24.
Real-Life Analogy
Think about grocery pickup. You order a brand, but the store sometimes substitutes an item that is equal or better when the shelf is empty. You do not bargain with the app every minute. You trust the grocer to choose well, and you receive what shows up. Trust in the Lord works like that, only far better. The Holy Spirit within turns the focus from the list to the Giver. You bring your request, and you rest. He provides what you asked, or He delivers something better that serves His good purpose in you.
Try this today. As you submit a request to God, add this quiet surrender. Lord, I trust You to give what is good, whether it matches my list or exceeds it in Your wisdom. Then step forward with a calm heart, ready to thank Him for the way He writes the next line.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that my trust is in the Lord, not in outcomes. Thank You that You hear me, that You give good gifts, and that Your wisdom chooses what is best. I present my day to You with gratitude. Your peace guards my heart. Your grace supplies what each moment requires. Lord, I trust You to express Your life through me in my words, my work, and my relationships today.