The Wisdom of Obedience: Trusting and Waiting on God

by A Mac

Obedience is a multifaceted concept that permeates various aspects of our lives, from personal relationships to professional environments. It is a principle that is often instilled in us from a young age, as parents teach their children the importance of following rules and respecting authority. In structured organizations like the military, obedience is not just expected; it is essential for maintaining order and achieving success. The ability to follow commands without hesitation can mean the difference between life and death in high-stakes situations.

However, if we are honest with ourselves, surrendering our will to another person is not something we naturally enjoy. There is an inherent tension in obedience, as it requires us to relinquish control and place our trust in someone else's judgment. This can be particularly challenging when we consider the fallibility of human beings. People can make mistakes, misjudge situations, or act out of self-interest, leading to outcomes that may not align with our own values or desires.

This inherent risk in human obedience often leads to a natural resistance. We value our autonomy and the ability to make decisions based on our own understanding and experiences. The idea of submitting to another's will can feel like a threat to our independence and self-determination. Yet, despite these challenges, obedience remains a crucial element of functioning societies and organizations.

Thankfully, when it comes to our relationship with God, the dynamics of obedience take on a different dimension. Unlike human authorities, God is infallible. He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, possessing perfect wisdom and understanding. His plans for us are rooted in love and are designed for our ultimate good. As Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

In this context, obeying God is always the wisest course of action. It is an act of trust and faith, acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours and that His understanding surpasses our own. Obedience to God is not about blind submission; it is about aligning our will with His and trusting in His perfect plan for our lives.

Learning to Obey: Trusting

Trust is a fundamental component of obedience, especially in the context of our relationship with God. Trusting God involves a deep-seated belief in His character, His promises, and His perfect timing. This trust is not blind; it is based on the understanding of who God is and His faithfulness throughout history as recorded in the Bible.

The Nature of Trust

Trusting God means acknowledging that He is sovereign and that His plans for us are good, even when we cannot see the full picture. This is beautifully captured in Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6). This passage highlights the importance of surrendering our limited understanding to God's infinite wisdom.

Trust as an Expression of Faith

In the New Testament, trust is closely linked to faith. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Trusting God means having faith that He is who He says He is and that He will fulfill His promises.

Trust in Action

Trusting God is not just a mental exercise; it is demonstrated through our actions. In John 14:15, Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). Obedience is a tangible expression of our trust and love for God. When we trust God, we are more inclined to follow His commands, knowing that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Overcoming Fear and Doubt

Trusting God also involves overcoming fear and doubt. These emotions can hinder our ability to obey God fully. The Bible is filled with examples of individuals who trusted God despite their fears. For instance, David trusted God when facing Goliath, and Daniel trusted God when thrown into the lion's den. Their stories remind us that trust in God can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Building Trust

Building trust in God is a lifelong journey. It involves spending time in prayer, studying the Bible, and reflecting on God's faithfulness in our lives. As we grow in our relationship with God, our trust in Him deepens, enabling us to obey Him more fully.

Learning to Obey: Waiting

Waiting on God is another crucial aspect of obedience. Psalm 27:14 encourages us to "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Psalm 27:14). Waiting is not a passive act; it involves actively seeking God's guidance and being patient for His timing.

Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6). This passage reminds us that our understanding is limited, and we must rely on God's wisdom and timing.

God's Guidance

God promises to guide us when we seek Him with a trusting heart. Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you" (Psalm 32:8). God desires to lead us, but we must be willing to listen and wait for His direction.

In summary, obedience to God involves trusting Him completely and waiting patiently for His guidance. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and open ourselves to His blessings.

Explore Further

Here are some Bible passages and ideas to explore further:

  1. Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trusting in God's understanding over our own. Read more
  2. Hebrews 11:6 - The importance of faith in pleasing God. Read more
  3. John 14:15 - Understanding obedience as an expression of love for God. Read more
  4. Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's ways are higher than ours. Read more
  5. Psalm 56:3-4 - Trusting God in times of fear. Read more

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