Sometimes it seems that trust is in short supply these days.
The reason trust is so difficult is because most of us have been burned. Chances are good that you have placed your trust in someone, only to be let down, betrayed or disappointed in some way.
Perhaps you loaned them money and they didn’t pay you back. Maybe they promised to be there for you in sickness and in health, but now, they are gone. It’s hard to continue to trust after you have been burned relationally.
Trust is the belief that someone is reliable, good and honest. Trust is built on past performance, but it also has a lot to do with your confidence in their character, strength and reliability for the future.
In a world of distrust, who can you trust? Is anyone trustworthy 100 percent of the time? Is it even possible to be 100 percent dependable, reliable and trustworthy? We try, but we fail, not because we are dishonest but because we are human.
When it comes to being 100 percent trustworthy 100 percent of the time, I believe that level of perfection is only attained by God. And then comes a very logical question: can God truly be trusted 100 percent of the time?
If you answer yes, do you live like it? The fact is, God has proven himself trustworthy again and again and again. He is faithful. I often hear people say, “He never has failed me yet.” I can echo that testimony myself.
King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, believed that God could be trusted. In fact, this is the counsel he would give us today on the topic of trusting God: “Trust God from the bottom of your heart. Don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go. He’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)
You have to be careful where you place your trust. Make sure you place your trust in the right person/place. I have often heard people say, “Trust yourself.” I think I know where they are coming from, but trust yourself? Is that really a good idea?
D.L. Moody once said, “Trust in yourself, and you are doomed to disappointment. Trust in your friends, and they will die and leave you. Trust in reputation, and some slanderous tongue may blast it. But trust in God, and you are never to be confounded in time or eternity.”
You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].