Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. (NKJV)
We all in trust in something. We look to something or someone for security. Some trust in themselves. Others trust money, possessions or position. Some trust in personal experience. Some trust that things will never change. We all trust something.
Have you ever stopped and thought about what it is you truly trust in? For Christians, we would like to think our trust is in the Lord. A cursory glance at our checkbooks and schedules will verify the validity of that claim.
What you spend your time and money on is proof of what you really trust – no matter what we may say or claim. Let’s look at some common things people trust in. While your considering each of these, keep your checkbook and schedule in mind; the contents of which will help you realistically evaluate what you really trust in.
Some trust in financial security –
No surprise here. In our affluent society, it is probably most common to trust that we have enough money to live comfortably and be independent. When is the last time you had to get on your knees and trust God to send you food, or clothing? And I don’t mean MORE food and clothing – I mean you will starve or go naked if God doesn’t come through.
Do you worry about old age? Who will take care of you? Will you have enough money to “enjoy” retirement? Are you concerned with being able to spend the last 20-30 years of your life in comfort and security because you have enough money saved up?
Of course there is nothing inherently wrong with material blessings and smart financial planning – until it becomes our source of security. If you cannot feel safe, protected, secure and cared for unless you have enough money on hand, then money has become your security. If you find yourself thinking mostly about how money will secure your future, instead of how the Lord is your security, then money is where your trust lies.
Money is not trustworthy. Markets fail, nations crumble, thieves steal, possessions deteriorate – there is no security in finances. Catastrophic events can bankrupt individuals and entire societies in a matter of seconds. If your trust is in money, your security can be bankrupt just as quickly. Which brings us to our next consideration – .
Some trust that things will never change –
We are particularly susceptible to this in America, especially our children. We have enjoyed an unprecedented run of prosperity and freedom in our country. Our children have never known anything but good times, plenty, and luxury. Even the poorest and the laziest do not go without food, clothing and fleshly enjoyment. We are fast becoming an entertainment-gorged, leisure-addicted nation that gets stressed out when we can’t have a couple of hours every night to “wind down” in front of a TV. Again, there is nothing inherently wrong with leisure, entertainment or relaxing – until it replaces our need or time for God. God has provided for us the blessing to rest and enjoy life as long as it is kept in proper balance and perspective.
We have come to a point where we believe our life of incredible ease and blessings will never change. After all, it is our “right” to have this comfortable life! This is America. Just let someone try to take away our lifestyle and we’ll show them!
What folly! World history dictates that this life of ease will end someday, probably sooner rather than later. God’s judgment on the shedding of innocent blood and rampant, blatant, unrestrained immorality dictates that we are enjoying this lifestyle on borrowed time. It’s not matter of IF it will end, but when.
Is your trust is in the belief that life as we know it now, will never change? It will. Don’t fool yourself.
Some trust in themselves –
All trust, apart from trust in God, falls into this category in some way or another. We trust in our own wisdom to determine what is trustworthy. We trust in our mind, our talents, our strength, our education, our achievements or our opinions. We follow our own hearts as if we are not the easily and perpetually deceived creatures that we really are. Foolish and futile is the only appropriate description of our wisdom apart from God.
Our wisdom is finite and easily misinformed. Our minds are biased and self-serving. Talents diminish. Strength can be gone one second after an accident. Education is worthless without Godly wisdom. Achievements quickly forgotten when someone else surpasses us. Our opinions change like the weather and provide no anchor for stability. Our hearts are easily deceived, quickly discouraged and under the complete domination of our circumstances (apart from God).
What is there about ME that is worthy
of staking my future on? Absolutely nothing.
What IS worthy of being trusted? God’s love. God’s will. What IS faithful and true and unaffected by circumstances, catastrophe or change? God alone.
Some trust in the Name of the Lord Our God –
Money is fleeting and fragile. Our freedom and comfortable life is guaranteed to be threatened at some point. A good hard look at all our failures will quickly tell us that WE cannot be trusted with our own life. But God can trusted.
- He is faithful and true. (Rev 19.11)
- He is our Rock and Strong Foundation. (Psa 89.14; 1Cor 10.4; 1Tim 2.19)
- He is beyond circumstances. (Psa 113.4; Eph 4.6)
- He does not change. (Mal 3.6; Dan 6.26)
- He is perfect. (Exodus 3:14)
- He is the Truth. (John 17.17)
- He is awesome, holy and majestic. (Exodus 15:11)
- He knows all there is to know about us. (Proverbs 5:21)
- He is immortal, wise and eternal. (1 Timothy 1:17)
There should be no doubt as to where our trust needs to be. Is your trust in God? Words are cheap. What evidence in your life substantiates your claim? Does your schedule demonstrate that you trust God? Does your checkbook show that you trust God? Does your speech show that your trust God?
If your checkbook, schedule and communication don’t plainly validate your claim or desire to trust God, perhaps some spiritual examination is in order. Do it now before the storms of life destroy false security.
Once your trust is in the right place – anchored sure in Lord God of Heaven – then you can truly enjoy a wonderful and blessed life no matter what circumstances may come your way!
O Lord Our God, You alone deserve our trust. Help us to examine our lives and determine by the actual evidence where our trust has been placed. Give us the faith and courage to trust in You alone. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Contemplation: Looking at the evidence, what, or who do you trust in today?
Application: You can’t trust someone you don’t know. Determine today to spend regular amounts of substantial time getting to know God through prayer and study of the Bible.
- What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?
- What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?
- What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?