He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. (2 Kings 18:5, ESV)
Many might guess the verse above was written about David, but it was not. One clue is that this king is described as a king of Judah, while David was king over all of Israel.
The king referred to here is Hezekiah and his trust in the Lord was amazing — until it wasn’t.
I know it isn’t exactly the same, but have you ever trusted in your golf game — until you didn’t?
Here is something that is both frustrating and interesting about golf. One part of your game can be effortless, flowing out of your body with ease and grace.
In the very same round, another part of your game suddenly can rise up, freeze the muscles in your hands, arms, and feet, and cause you to swing like a one-year-old. A fall is coming, and you know it.
How is it that — sometimes, on a single hole — you can trust your driver like Hezekiah trusted the Lord and yet have no trust for your putter? And then reverse their roles the next time you play?
Here is what happens: great golf shots come from a place in the back of the brain that allows your body to move “automatically.” Bad golf shots usually come from the front of your brain and are accompanied by specific instructions.
That is an oversimplification, but it is true that trust is not primarily a “thinking” activity. Even trusting in God.
Trusting in God is letting go of the need to control things. “I have to build this business,” “I have to keep my head down,” and “I have to hit all the right notes” are essentially the same. I know because, at some time, I have whispered each of those to myself.
When you don’t trust your swing, reduce rather than increase the self-instruction. Give it back to your subconscious mind. And when you find you are not trusting God in one part of life, don’t be dismayed. Seize the opportunity to return that area to the Lord.
As we continue to grow spiritually, the “taking control” thing becomes less frequent. But Hezekiah learned that we have to always be on guard, even if we’ve been extraordinarily trusting before.
“Trust in the Lord and do good,” wrote David. That great advice works on and off the course. Trust me, I know.
Prayer: Father, when we struggle with trust, remind us that you are always faithful and loving. In Jesus’ amazing name, Amen