January 5, 2025
The Rev. Brandan Robertson (he/him)
Author and Public Theologian
Queer Christian
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Living with Open Hearts
One of the cornerstones of my faith is the humble acknowledgment that human beings simply cannot fully comprehend God. While this might not seem revolutionary, theologians and mystics from the earliest days of Christianity have affirmed that God exists beyond our mental reach. Faith, then, is rooted in what I call “hopeful agnosticism.” It is hopeful because, as Christians, we believe we have experienced God through the Holy Spirit and in the life of Jesus, bringing hope to our souls. It is agnostic because, if we’re honest, everything we know about God is ultimately our best human effort to understand the Creator of all things. Being finite and fallible, we must humbly admit that we know very little with certainty.
When we adopt a hopeful agnosticism, we are invited into a life of faith—believing in God’s goodness while surrendering our need to understand everything about God or how God works. In today’s scripture, the author of Proverbs encourages us to trust in God. Trust implies taking a leap of faith, believing that God is at work, even when we can't see it. We are advised not to rely on our own understanding, acknowledging that our perspectives are limited and may sometimes be incorrect. By acknowledging God’s presence in all areas of our lives, we trust that our paths will be made straight.
This is the essence of faith in two short verses: When we surrender our need to figure everything out and trust in the God we’ve encountered in Jesus, we’re promised that the Spirit will guide us through life’s winding road. In my experience, this has proven true. When I try to control or fully understand God’s ways, I often end up burnt out. But when I surrender and say, “Not my will, but yours be done,” the Spirit leads me to new places I could never have imagined. As you go about your day, I invite you to stop trying to figure everything out. Embrace the freedom of surrendering to God’s goodness and grace, and watch how the Spirit works, guiding you moment by moment.
Reflection
What is an area where you feel like you have “figured out” God? Reflect on why you believe this and consider the limits of that belief.
Where in your life do you need to surrender and trust in God’s goodness?
Call to Action
Today, practice “hopeful agnosticism,” even if it’s not your usual posture of faith. Look for God to appear in unexpected people and places and take note of what you discover.
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