Tag: trust

A Special Place for Trust

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 25:1

“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.”

“Trust” is a very important word in the Christian life. Merriam-Webster defines trust as firm belief in the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; a person or thing in which confidence is placed.

In Psalms 25:1, the Hebrew word for “trust” is a form of the verb “batach,” meaning to secure, be confident, or rely upon. It suggests refuge in God, implying a feeling of safety and security obtained from God’s steadfastness and protection.

Today, I’m pondering David’s talk with, or prayer to, the Lord in Psalm 25, highlighting his confidence in the Lord and his statements of supplication, faith, encouragement and remembrance.

When reading this chapter, I’m reminded of the blessing of receiving and believing One who can be relied upon for the utmost trustworthiness. Isn’t it wonderful that this actually exists?

This chapter begins with David reiterating his trust in the Lord while requesting that the Lord would not allow his enemies to win or triumph over him, humiliating him. He reminds the Lord (and us) that no one who trusts in the Lord will ever be put to shame, but those who are “treacherous without a cause” will incur it. This reminds me of Proverbs 17:13 that says, “Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.”

David then declaring God as his Savior, requests God’s guidance into His truth, teaching him His ways and paths, as his hope is all day in God. We see David reiterating God’s mercy and love, asking him not to remember his rebellious ways or the sins of his youth. Citing the Lord’s goodness and uprightness, he recalls the Lord’s instruction toward sinners and his guidance and teaching of what is right, and His way, to the humble. In addition, stating that all the Lord’s ways are loving and faithful toward those who keep the requirements his covenant.

When we think of David’s story which is transparently provided for us all to read, we see some of the terrible mistakes he made in addition to his great successes. Now we see David praying, for the sake of the Lord’s name, that his iniquity (described as great) is forgiven.

David then highlights the blessings of those who fear the Lord:

  • God will instruct them in the way that they should choose.
  • They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land.
  • The Lord confides in them making His covenant known to them.

Regarding David’s enemies, he acknowledges that only God can release his feet from captivity and that his eyes were ever on the Lord, asking Him to turn to him and be gracious to him. He also confesses being lonely, afflicted, troubled and in need of freedom from the anguish in his heart. David again requests God’s removal of his sins, noting the number of his enemies and the fierceness of their hate, asking God to rescue him and guard his life, declaring the Lord as His refuge.

Because of David’s hope being in the Lord, he asks that integrity and uprightness protect him. Then, in conclusion, we see David asking for the deliverance of Israel from all their troubles.

This passage shows me the sincere transparency of a man with His God. He speaks freely of all his troubles, but also godly beliefs, putting his hope and trust in the only one with the power to save him. I’m sure God loves this about David and it’s graciously recorded for us to consider.

Tempted to Doubt

by Ms. Rita's Minute

From time to time we will all be faced with the temptation to doubt God’s instructions or promises. Perhaps because we may have been let down by friends, coworkers, or family members, we equate God, at certain times, as not being reliable. However, in dealing with doubt, we should keep in mind God’s impeccable and perfect character. If He said it, we can trust it.

Regarding God communicating anything untruthfully, the Bible assures us that He does not lie:

Numbers 23:19 – “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”

Titus 1:2 – “…God, who does not lie…”

Hebrews 6:18 – “…it is impossible for God to lie…”

Several stories in the Bible show man’s human imperfections of doubting the Lord. One would be found in Mark 9:17-30 where a man whose son was demon-possessed sought help and found that Jesus’ disciples were unable to cast the spirit out. He asked if Jesus could do anything, that He would help him. Jesus assured him, “Everything is possible to one who believes.” The boy’s father answered, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Now who else has been there? When we want so desperately to have unwavering faith in the Lord, only to be plagued by unbelief. Jesus’ disciples later asked Jesus why they could not cast the demon out to which he replied “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (Some manuscripts say “prayer and fasting.”)

Matthew’s account in Chapter 17:14-21 states, “Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”  He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Most of us have read the story in Matthew 14:22-33, where Peter being faced with Jesus walking on a lake, asked the Lord to tell him to come to him. The Lord obliged and in Peter’s eagerness to come, he found himself walking on water toward the Lord. However, “when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

These stories demonstrate how people can be doubtful or double-minded, perhaps due to fear, yet God is merciful and faithful to assist us in our dilemmas. God is a trustworthy God on whom we can depend to tell us the truth. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13)

Now He may not give us all the information we want exactly when or how we want it, but he will provide it as we need it. He is generous in providing us help. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

With any of God’s instructions or promises seen in the Bible, it is helpful to seek to understand the Lord’s intent in what was written. What verses were written just before and after his words? Who is being spoken to? Were there any conditions involved? When being impressed with what appears to be God’s thoughts by His Holy Spirit in prayer, do we find them aligned with the Bible? Has He provided any other confirmation (i.e., scriptural references)? This keeps us from misinterpreting scriptures we may have read.

When we’re tempted to doubt God, we can choose to redirect our thinking and stand in faith in what He has spoken. He is well acquainted with us and is not surprised when we doubt. He realizes our various levels of faith and growth in living the life of a born-again believer. We should not beat ourselves up about our imperfections, but seek the Lord in prayer and Bible study, for wisdom, strength, and faith to believe, and stand confident in all He’s spoken.