I often see handwritten signs posted on trees along the expressway telling us to “Trust Jesus.” I never knew what to make of those signs. Who writes them? What do they mean?

One day as I sat in the quiet and pondered, it came to me that “Trusting Jesus” is the first step toward trusting ourselves. To “trust Jesus” is to trust the Inner Voice of Wisdom God gave each of us. 

Trusting Jesus means getting to know the Voice of God within us—taking time to sit in the quiet each day and pondering the questions we face daily. Am I on the right track? Do you love me? How are you inviting me to grow? What should I do with this situation?

Slowly that barely audible whisper from God becomes louder, more familiar. We learn to sense its Presence, its nudges, its unique tone that reverberates in us. We come to know and trust the Voice of Love. 

My family recently brought to my attention a bad habit I’d fallen into. At first, I felt shamed, disappointed in myself. I should be further along on my journey. 

But instead of resisting what they told me, I sat in the quiet and pondered the situation several mornings in a row. Eventually, by sitting alone with God, I heard the Voice of Love silently tell me I was being taught humility, that life is about progress not perfection, and that God was speaking through my loved ones teaching me unconditional love for them, myself, and the Creator. And God’s giving me the grace to break the bad habit and grow.

In trusting Jesus and the Voice of Love present within and around me, I’m coming to a place where I can trust myself knowing the Creator helps us discern his invitation—his movement—in our lives as we seek his guidance. 

Now when I see those signs along the highway inviting us to Trust Jesus, I add to that message: Trust Jesus—so you can learn to trust yourself, your spiritual center, and the Voice of Love—the Real Presence in each of us.


Key Point: Each of us has been given an Inner Compass—the Voice of Love that seeks to inspire and guide us with Wisdom.

Action Step: Take 10-20 minutes each day to sit in the silence. Listen for God’s nudges, his invitations, his Voice of Love.

​—brian j plachta
brianplachta.net