I’m a big fan of the “fake it till you make it” approach to life.
We recognize the benefit of getting up in the morning, putting on running shoes, and heading out the door for exercise, even if we aren’t “feeling” it yet, and the same principles apply to our faith lives. We can benefit from praying words that we want to mean from the depths of our hearts, even if we don't “feel” them yet. We can ask God to help us “feel” them.
I love the simplicity of this approach. We don't have to have it all together before we approach God. Even when we are struggling, there is always a sincere prayer we can offer.
“Jesus, help me to trust you.”
“Lord, give me the desire to pray.”
“Dear God, help to love you.”
When I was a little girl, my parents had me memorize parts of the Catechism and the Nicene Creed that we recited at Mass, and we did the same with our kids when they were small. In 2011, when some of the words in the Creed were updated, and the phrase changed from “one in being with the Father” to “consubstantial with the Father,” I remember thinking, “Kids have no idea what consubstantial means!”
But that’s fine. Say it, learn it, grow into it. Fake it till you make it.
When it comes to trusting God, it also helps to consider some things we might be trusting instead of God. Sneaky things that, unchecked, can turn into “mini gods” in his place.
Money
This is a big one. Do you worry about money or fantasize about winning the lottery because only then will you finally feel secure? Do you only feel safe when your bank account is full?
Pleasure
Another slippery slope. Watching TV or having a glass of wine is perfectly OK, but do you cling to these things as a coping mechanism? Do you feel like you can’t live without them?
People
This can be tricky because God gives us good people in our lives to support and encourage us. But do you hold fast to your husband, best friend, parents, or kids and count on them instead of God? Or do you idolize politicians and think certain ones can “save” us?
Self
Our talents are a gift, but do you rely on your own abilities or hard work to the exclusion of God? Do you take pride in self-reliance and approach life as if everything falls on you?
If any of these feels convicting to you, welcome to humanity! But let’s fake it together until we make it:
“Jesus, I trust in you. Help me to trust in you.”
I heard from so many of you who enjoyed the Lectio Divina audio files I shared during the Change Your Heart challenge last month that I plan to continue offering them here sometimes, and today is the perfect day to pray about trust. Our meditation is from Jeremiah 17:7-8:
It takes just 5 minutes! Find a quiet spot, take a deep breath, exhale, and hit play. Here’s the meditation.
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