Steering the Ship or Trusting the Captain A Self-Check on Faith and Focus

I’ve been taking some honest internal inventory lately—the kind of self-reflection that doesn’t let you hide behind surface answers. The kind that whispers, “Keep making sure you are walking in truth.”

Lately, I’ve noticed a pattern: moments when my focus starts to go sideways. Anxiety creeps in when I consider the state of the world instead of the certainty of God’s coming hope. Fear tugs at my heart when I start wondering about my future sustenance, covering, safety, and self-sufficiency.

The thing is, I know in my bones that self-sufficiency doesn’t mean independence from God. It means recognizing that every good gift and every perfect present is from above (James 1:17). It’s living in gratitude for His provision and stewardship of His blessings.

But there’s still the question I keep asking myself:
Am I fully trusting God by releasing all things to Him and allowing Him to direct me? Or am I trying to steer the ship while asking Him to bless my chosen course?

I know intellectually—and more importantly, scripturally—that no matter what happens, as long as God is with me and I am with Him, I will be okay. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). He is really all I need, and He has promised to provide for all my needs.

Jesus said, “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear… But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:25, 33). That’s the reminder I have to keep returning to: focus first on the Kingdom, and trust the provision to follow.

So when I catch myself worrying or feeling anxious, I’m learning to pause—to take that thought captive and replace it with truth. I remind myself to exercise faith, to live by the law of love and the rule of peace, and to keep God and His purposes first in my heart and my plans.

The truth is, I am safest when I stop clinging to the wheel and simply trust the Captain.

A Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to seek You above all else. Teach me to release my anxious thoughts into Your hands, to trust Your perfect provision, and to rest in the peace that comes from knowing You steer the ship. Direct my steps today and always, that I may walk in truth and keep my heart anchored in Your Kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen.