The Wise Trust God

One of life's indicators of where we have our trust is found in our reactions when our plans fail, or our expectations are not met. While it's easy to see God's work in our lives when things go "our way," what about the times when they don't?

An important part of learning to walk with wisdom is exercising our trust in God. In the last part of chapter 4, James continues to address how we are tempted to put ourselves in God's place. We are cautioned to consider the way we approach our lives. Instead of presumptuous arrogance in our own plans, we are encouraged toward humble dependence on God. The posture of our heart matters as we steward the life God has gifted us with. Rather than having faith in our understanding, living out our faith invites us to have faith in God. To trust Him.

While what we believe informs our actions, James digs deeper to reveal how faith informs the motivations of our actions. Why do we trust God? Is it for "selfish ambition" (vs. 3:14) to live safe, prosperous, comfortable lives? Or do we trust God because God is God and we are designed to be in a relationship with Him. Scripture describes God's faithfulness to restoring His creation, and Jesus demonstrates what this looks like lived out this side of eternity. Even when the circumstances might not be the ones we would choose, we can trust God is ultimately for our good.