When Reverence Leads You to Turn Back #TheGoodSteward
Learning to trust God’s way over my own
More often than not, I have these moments where I realize...
“Oh wow. I’ve been doing this my way again.”
Not out loud, not in rebellion—just in quiet assumption. Planning, pushing, moving ahead without really asking God, “Is this You? Is this now?”
Lately, God’s been inviting me to slow down and take a pause. And in that space, I’ve been learning something new about repentance— what it looks like to repent daily, in the moment by moment decisions throughout the day. Realigning and course-correcting. Choosing to trust His way again, even when it doesn’t match my timeline.
I had a moment recently where I was sitting with my planner open, completely overwhelmed.
I’ve been building a few things behind the scenes—my consulting work, my writing, even dreaming about launching a bigger project down the line. Not to mention planning for my toddler’s summer and balancing work and home. And everything felt like it needed to happen now. But deep down, I knew I was rushing. Not necessarily ahead of God’s plan, but definitely ahead of His pace.
Then Proverbs 3:5-6 pops in my head.
“Trust in the Lord, with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.”
A gentle whisper: “You can trust Me. My way is still good, even when it’s not fast.”
That moment? That was reverence doing its work.
It led me to repentance—not in a heavy, guilt-ridden way, but in a simple, wise way.
Redirecting my focus from my plans and my way to focusing on trusting and acknowledging God. Instead of strategizing, asking Him to direct my path.
What should I be focused on today, Lord?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10
I wrote about this last week. About reverence as awe and wonder. Like when you see the ocean for the first time and feel small in the best way. Reverence makes room for God to be God. It reminds us we’re not in charge—and that’s actually really freeing.
Reverence brings us low enough to surrender. And that surrender? That’s where wisdom begins and where repentance starts.
Repentance naturally flows from reverence.
It says:
“I’ve been leaning on my own understanding again…
but I see You now. I trust You more. And I’m turning back.”
That’s not a weakness. That’s wisdom.
Here’s what I’m learning:
Repentance isn’t just for when we mess up.
Sometimes it’s for when we drift.
When we get a little too comfortable driving the car and forget to check in with the GPS.
It can look like slowing down.
Letting go.
Choosing peace over pressure.
Releasing our need to do more and instead, be still.
A gentle reminder for both of us:
You don’t have to figure it all out before you turn back.
You just have to be willing.
That willingness? That’s reverence in action.
And God honors it every time.
A Prayer:
Lord, I’ve been moving on my own again.
Thank You for gently calling me back.
Help me slow down enough to really listen.
To let awe do its work.
And to trust that Your way is better—even when it’s slower than mine.
Teach me to turn back, again and again.
And lead me with wisdom and peace.
Amen.
Reflection Question:
Where in your life might God be gently asking you to turn back—not because you’re wrong, but because there’s a wiser way?
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