Tag Archives: Trust

Trusting in the Lord

17 Monday Jan 2022

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Church, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Religion, Religious, Spiritual, Uncategorized

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The latter part of 2019 and into 2020 brought a worldwide pandemic into our lives. 2020 was seemingly a year that many wanted to forget due to the COVID-19 virus that swept across the globe. 2021 was a year that the spread of the coronavirus continued, however, it was the introduction of new variants that made life even more challenging.

Now, we are in 2022 and the pandemic has not yet abated, rather, it has seemingly become a part of everyday life. Millions have been infected by the virus, and sadly millions have perished due to the ongoing pandemic. Government officials worldwide have attempted to stem the tide of the plague, and yet we have heard and witnessed mass accounts of confusion.

To be clear, the pandemic we find ourselves in, none of us have faced anything of this sort in our lifetime. However, what do we do when we hear conflicting messages from the media, or scientists and doctors who were once sure that they knew what was coming next only to find that there are continued unknowns?

The answer lies in Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Such a simple passage that was penned by King Solomon, and yet there is so much wisdom in these two verses. First, take note that we are to trust in the Lord with our whole heart. The Hebrew word for trust is “bāṭaḥ” which means to have confidence in or to be secure.

When we are urged to trust in the Lord with all of our heart, that means we are to put our confidence in the Lord and do so fully. It is a signature that our security is in God, rather than placing our confidence in others or the situations that we see around us daily. It is a well known fact that over time, citizens are placing less and less trust in their governmental institutions.

With the increase of political corruption and outright lies that are often told, politicians have become among the least trusted within societal spheres. It further underscores the importance of trusting in the Lord with everything we have, because we cannot trust in what we see or what we hear around us. That is because things are ever changing. However, with the Lord who desires to be in a relationship with us, He does not change and He can be trusted.

Secondly, take note of the next part of Proverbs 3, which says “and do not lean on your own understanding.” Sometimes, we think that we are able to solve our own problems based on human wisdom and intuition. But the Word of God makes it clear that we cannot even rely on our own understanding because it can be faulty. Have you ever made a decision that you felt was best, and yet the decision turned out to be the wrong choice to make?

We all have moments in life when we are in error and we do not make sound judgment calls. That is why we are not to rely on our own understanding, because even as smart as you and I may be, we don’t have the unlimited knowledge and wisdom that only God possesses. So, we cannot look to our own intellect or wisdom to solve Earthly problems.

Finally, notice that the last part of verse 5 says, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This means, that in everything that we do, we are to acknowledge God or to seek Him for guidance first. By doing this, we are showing God that He is the first priority of our lives, and that we are laying down the desire to take control and trust in our own intuition. When we acknowledge God first, the promise here is that God will direct our path or make every path straightened.

In other words, the paths that we take, they will be made secure when we follow the Lord’s leading and choose to forsake our own understanding. The world around us will always contain problems and scenarios that are challenging. This is due to humanity’s imperfection and the presence of sin. However, with the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we have a better opportunity when it comes to achieving a more stable and fruitful outcome.

God desires that we come to Him for all things. He uses people and scenarios to provide answers to difficulties in life, but the only way this occurs is when we surrender our own will and we acknowledge God first. It requires that we put our trust (full confidence) in Him, which then translates into God leading us on a path that is secure and directed in righteousness.

As we continue to live in the midst of a worldwide pandemic and other situations we all face, the truth that we can all cling to is that we can trust the Lord in all things. However, for one to trust in the Lord it requires that there is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. You cannot trust someone you don’t know. Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? If not, today is a great day to accept Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the Cross. His blood was shed for you and for me, and He is alive today and waiting for you to receive Him as Lord and Savior. Trust in the Lord today and begin a new life with Jesus.

Do Not Worry – Trusting in God Despite Your Surroundings

08 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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If there is one thing that we as humans have in common, it is that of economic security. Regardless of what country you come from, or what your social status is – we all need a form of currency to sustain our day-to-day lifestyle. Essentially, currency is a way to barter or seek an exchange for products that we may need or want. It is such an important part of our lives, that whenever there are threats to our economic stability, panic begins to ensue.

For example, in recent news, the government of Greece has sought its 3rd bailout in 6 years. The current amount owed on the Greek National debt is at a staggering 242.8 billion in Euros.  As a result, Greece is in the process of negotiating with the European Union to avoid a default which would mean bankruptcy.  However, such negotiations have stalled, leaving Greek citizens in a debilitating state.

The crisis in Greece hasn’t exactly been isolated in terms of its effects.  China is now reporting a decline in its economy as a result of the crisis in Greece, which may even mean that other countries could feel the ripple effect.  Many are looking at this crisis and are worried about their own livelihood. Questions such as, “What will this mean for my retirement?” and “Will my country’s economy be affected?” are being asked by many worldwide.  The fact is, the world is intertwined economically, which means that if one major country falters, others will follow.  You might read this, and you too may be worried.

However, in Matthew Chapter 6, verses 25-34, Jesus is teaching His Disciples by admonishing them not to worry.  He starts off in verses 25-27 by saying:

(NIV) “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

One of the interesting things about what Jesus references in these verses is, the example of nature.  Basically, Jesus mentions the birds of the air and He points to the fact that God provides for the birds. Have you ever seen a bird providing for itself?  In your time, it is likely that you have not. That is because, birds are unable to provide for themselves. Which means, that God provides in various ways for the birds since they are incapable of doing so on their own.

What Jesus wants you and I to understand is that we should not worry about our lives. Instead, Jesus is teaching the concept of trusting in God and understanding that He will provide for us. Jesus says at the end of verse 26, “Are you not much more valuable than they?” This is to say, that if God can provide for the birds of the air, He can certainly provide for you, regardless of what your needs are.

He then goes on to say, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” The thing about worrying is, it is a useless condition to exist in. Worrying only leads to panic, which creates discomfort in your mind and body. While in our humanity, we react to various situations, we must realize that living in worry and fear detracts from our trust in God and what He is capable of doing.  So, rather than living in worry and fear, we should grasp the condition of absolute trust which is to lean on God’s ability and not our own. 

In verses 31-32, Jesus says:

(NIV) “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”

Jesus says that we should not worry for material things or even the things we are in need of. He even goes on to say that the “pagans run after these things,” which essentially means that the world operates in worry, fear, and panic. Those in the world seek after materialistic means to satisfy and build their hopes upon. If you were to turn on your local or national news, you would find that much of what is reported is negative. Buzz words such as “Breaking news” and other terms that are used,capture our attention. However, much of what is reported doesn’t inspire or produce hope. Most of what the media spews is hopelessness and fear.  As a result, we who watch begin to operate out of the fear that was disposed upon us.

Those who are not in Christ put their hope in the ever fallible and weakening world system.  Many who are not anchored in God, have sought the words of their politicians, or the value of their economic currency.  While at the same time we can see the very plight that is occurring in just about every nation concerning government and the global economy. Those who put their trust in a decaying world system will find themselves in despair and without hope.

However, Jesus says that “your heavenly Father knows that you need them,” meaning, God already knows what you and I are in need of.  If you are trusting in Him wholeheartedly, then you will experience what Philippians 4:19 says, which is that God shall supply all of our needs according His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. That is the hope that we have.

Jesus ends this chapter by saying:

(NIV) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 

The condition that Jesus gives here is that if we seek God’s Kingdom first, then everything that we need and desire will be given unto us. Seeking God’s Kingdom means to first, give your life to Christ. If you have not done so, then you have an opportunity to receive Christ in the pardon of your sins.  Then, once you are in Christ, you must begin by living in your God-given purpose which ties into elevating the Kingdom of God.

Finally, Jesus ends with the words, “do not worry about tomorrow.” Have you ever found yourself in fear or worried about your future? Jesus says that we should not worry about tomorrow, because for one, God already knows what we are in need of.  Secondly, every day has its own responsibilities.  Our future is in God’s hands, which means that He knows the beginning to the end.

Regardless of what the media says, or what your own life may look like, God knows where you are. Worrying only gives power to your enemy who is satan. He knows that if you concentrate on all of the negativity, then you will hinge your hopes on finding a human solution. Attempting to solve problems by human means results in confusion and an increase in chaos. The proof in that is, that we have various issues worldwide while global leaders are attempting to solve them in their own power. It doesn’t work without seeking God for the answers.

We should be aware of our reality and the world around us, but we are not to worry about what occurs.  Simply because, God can and will protect those who are hidden in Him.  Are you trusting in God with your life? Seek the Lord, and find out what it is like to live in His security.

Who Are You Putting Your Trust In?

01 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Spiritual

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The world that we live in has become inundated with a 24/7 media blitz. The news is delivered in various forms – from television to the newspaper, to the internet.  There are so many ways to remain abreast of the latest information and current affairs in our world. Political elections take place in various countries on a yearly basis with the effort to gather support among the electorate. As a result, many citizens who have the freedom to choose their politicians are often gazing at a system that they are cautiously hoping for a change to occur.

Year after year, humanity attempts to put its trust in mere men and women with the hope that the system will work in their favor.  Sometimes, our hopes are met with elements of leadership and good decisions.  Other times, the expectation of leadership that is undefiled by corruption and inability is dashed by constant behaviors of which are against moral and legal precedents.  Even the very news that we consume, there is a level of trust that is placed in the news reported.  The very individuals that are in our lives, trust is also apart of the equation.

However, should trust be placed in the ever-changing society that we witness daily? When it comes to trust, Proverbs 3:5-8 in the NIV says it this way:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”

Despite all of the voices that cry out for our attention, there is only one that you can trust in completely and that is the ever-present and almighty God.  The above scripture says to trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and not to lean on your own understanding. Why does King Solomon who is the writer of Proverbs say not to lean on your own understanding?

The reason is because humanity is fallible or imperfect.  All of us are prone to misjudge and to commit errors which are based out of our own pride. Trusting in ourselves or putting our trust in others is a sure way to be led astray.  Using politics as an example, so many are banking on the promises made by those who have authority over them. When each election cycle begins, the words of each candidate voice what is often meant to be their promises for the future.  However, in reality many become disappointed when the same candidates are guilty of breaking those promises.

That is why we are not to put our trust in what humanity has said but to trust in God who will never lead us astray.  The above verse says, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” If you are following after the things of God and allowing Him to lead you, then He will show you who is truthful and who is operating in deceit.  By putting your complete trust in a human made system, you are open to not only disappointment but you are not allowing God to lead you in His perfect will and way.

Even as it relates to our personal relationships, we are to draw a line which prevents the element of complete trust.  This is so that we know that rather than hinging our hopes on what those we know will do, we will hinge our hopes on what God is able to do. Throughout scripture, there are many instances of those who trusted in God and benefited from the very things that God did on their behalf.

One example was that of Job.  Job was a man of integrity and he was an individual who lived uprightly before God.  During his life, he experienced plenty and lacked nothing.  However, in Job chapter 1, we can see that God and satan are having a discussion.  In verses 6-7, it says in the NIV,

“One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from? Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”

Verses 8-12: 

“Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”

What occurs is that Job is struck with illness, he loses his children and all of his oxen and other livestock.  However, Job’s wife utters the following to him in the midst of all of his troubles:

“His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Job’s wife demanded that he curse God and die, because of all of the things he had lost. However, the key point about Job is that he trusted in God despite all of the turmoil he experienced.  Rather than cursing God and dying as a result he maintained his integrity and looked to God for his guidance.  Here is the reward that Job experienced for his trust in God:

Verses 12-13: 

“The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. And he also had seven sons and three daughters.”

Despite the things that Job lost, he not only trusted in God but he was given so much more in return for his trust.  The point is, by trusting in God you will always find yourself in a better position.  So many are attempting to trust in what their politicians are saying, what the media is saying, and what their friends are saying.  However, God wants us to trust in Him, not just for material things but even for our very lives.  Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal savior?

Jesus Christ died on the cross and was resurrected for your sin.  Trusting in Him for your salvation is an integral part of experiencing the blessings of God. Putting your trust in a failing world system only leads to a life that is confused.  However, the Solid Rock, Jesus Christ, He is the one to trust in order to have life and life abundantly. Who are you putting your trust in?  I encourage you to trust in the name of the Lord, for He will never fail.