All my life I’ve been an eternal optimist. Not that I’m not now, but amid all of the division and turmoil that is occurring in our country, I have to admit my trust at times is being challenged. Webster’s Dictionary describes trust as “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” Another example of trust is having faith that things will be better in the future. Both apply to Jesus Christ, correct?
So what does it mean to trust God? Is it simply knowing that He loves us and wants us to put Him first rather than trusting our family, friends, the stock market, the government, more than we trust God and His Word? Because of this pandemic we are living with, I also need to believe in the medical experts and their guidelines for our safety. I find it disheartening when I hear people saying that they have no fear of contracting this dreadful disease. They say they don’t even have to wear a mask, because the Holy Spirit resides within them. Does that mean that the 191,000 plus people who have died in the United States so far, or who are struggling with the disease, didn’t or don’t have the Holy Spirit residing in them? Or, does it mean they didn’t trust God enough? Is it our loving Father who is sending this message? Or are these people fooling themselves and being irresponsible and risking other people’s lives by their refusal to “mask up”? There is a parable that tells a story that God sends us a rowboat, motorboat and a helicopter in the midst of a storm, perhaps in the form of scientists and medical personnel, to save us. In other words, through God’s wisdom, it is our responsibility to take care of our com-munity and ourselves if we want to make it through this real pandemic. So whom do you trust?
Trust is not something that comes easily, especially when one has been hurt emotionally or has experienced a great loss in their life. I think that trust is something that has to be practiced every day, through ups and downs, especially when people are suffering from tribulations such as depression, oppression, persecution and racism. And with our life changing so dramatically, God wants us to believe in Him and to put all our trust in Him, even when we are observing intense chaos in our country. We must hold steadfast, as we remain faithful on the belief that God will prevail. Trust, that in His time He will bring healing and peace. Trust, that He is our refuge. Trust, that only He is always in control. Trust in Him.
Because I have lived a contented life, one without turmoil or tragedy, I mistakenly came to trusting myself. I have now come to believe in Proverb: 3:5 that states in part, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” I now try to live by this verse. Maybe that’s why I have and always will bend over and pick up a penny that I find on the ground as a gentle reminder, “IN GOD WE TRUST”.