Truth With Borders

Trust with borders. That’s really more like it, isn’t it? We may sing “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders” but for most of us that’s quite a stretch. Our currency says “In God We Trust” but that doesn’t mean what it used to. Our military says “Trust and verify” but isn’t that an oxymoron? What comes scary close to sound counsel are words from an old hymn that says “Trust and obey for there’s no other way.” Now that’s really putting rubber to the road isn’t it . . . acting out your trust in someone or something? At its essence, trust really is something we either do or don’t. Trust is total confidence or assurance. If it’s partial or incomplete then it’s probably not trust. Our life experiences teach us that we can’t always totally trust most (maybe all) people. Let’s admit it, we are a frail lot and are prone to disappoint, make mistakes and even sin (archaic word?). We let each other down. But, there is a God in whom we are urged and directed if not commanded to invest our trust, our complete trust. Proverbs 3:5 says “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Nahum 1:7 declares “He cares for those who trust in Him.” That’s good stuff, isn’t it? Yet we struggle to trust God. We say we trust God with our eternal destiny and yet we are inconsistent in our daily opportunities to trust Him. Rather than resting in God’s goodness, fidelity and consistent character, we misunderstand the One who reminds us “My ways are not your ways.” We presume on Him. We claim expectations of what God “should” do for us that He has not ordained and create our own disappointment and undermine trust. When we know and trust God we don’t need the details, the plan. He has them. God operates from love and a character of justice, mercy and faithfulness. Romans 8:28 prompts us to rest in that. Think About It.