Maintaining Trust and Hope in the Christian Life

In the latest episode of Free for the Fruit, host Jill Simons delves into the critical importance of cultivating trust and hope in our spiritual lives. For many, the journey of faith involves grappling with doubt, pain, and confusion. Yet, in the midst of such trials, maintaining trust and hope can dramatically transform our relationship with God. 

Jill starts by acknowledging a common human experience: the visceral hunger to understand why certain things happen the way they do. This can feel like a "need to find and devour the truth." However, while it’s natural to seek answers, true spiritual growth often comes from letting go of this insatiable need and placing our trust and hope in God instead.

One practical suggestion Jill highlights is the use of truthbands—wearable reminders decked with affirming messages such as, "When I lay down my worry and hurry, I give Jesus space to show up for me" and "Surrender it all, lay down control, and let God." These truthbands serve as tangible anchors, promoting a mental shift towards trust and hope.

A significant part of developing trust and hope lies in the mental game. Jill compares our spiritual journey to a mental battle where the evil one tries to feed us lies, especially during vulnerable moments. Recognizing that trust is often a mental decision rather than an emotional response can help us navigate these challenging times.

Building trust doesn't start with monumental issues but with everyday moments. For example, Jill suggests practicing trust by surrendering small concerns to God, such as finding a parking spot. These small acts of trust strengthen our ability to rely on God for more significant issues later.

A key insight shared in the episode is the distinction between God's directive will and His permissive will. God's permissive will allows us to face hardships and disappointments not because He desires suffering, but because He can use these situations for a greater good. This understanding frames our hardships within the broader context of God’s loving plan.

Trusting God means recognizing His control over the things we cannot change. This requires us to be comfortable with our limitations while affirming that God works all things for our good. Hope, as Jill explains, is the ability to look at our crosses and see them as pathways to the eventual resurrection, trusting that God brings forth greater good from every trial.

Jill concludes by reminding listeners that it’s never too early or too late to nurture trust and hope. Whether one is in the middle of a crisis or simply navigating everyday challenges, embracing a mental posture of trust and hope prepares us to weather any storm life throws our way.

By integrating these principles into daily practice, we can all move towards a more profound experience of the Holy Spirit's fruits, enriching our Christian life immeasurably. For more practical tips and spiritual insights, tune in to Free for the Fruit and join the journey of becoming free for the fruits of the Holy Spirit.