How Important Is Trust to You?

Considering all the people you know, whom do you trust? What does trust means to you? Someone humorously said, “Trust is giving your debit card along with the pin number to someone you believe would never rip you off.”

Trust is confidence that the ties that bind could never be easily severed. Trust is longed for because it represents a treasure of great value and worth. Accountability cannot be separated from trust, for trust is the strongest motivation for being responsible.

In the Parable of the Pearl of Great Value, Jesus relates how a merchant found the perfect pearl he had pursued for years. He sold his possessions and bought the pearl. This is analogous to taking hold of the Kingdom Of Heaven offered to you at great sacrifice by God. Trust is grasping what may never come your way again. 

Trust compels you to tenaciously seize the Kingdom of God, for it is of great value.

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Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ”He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 

~Psalm 91:1-2 New International Version 

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How Does Trust Affect Giving or Receiving Mercy?

Every new day, set the stage for a new beginning. You may have given thought to what needs to change now in your life. God consistently brings to mind possibilities for healthy relationships with himself and others. Unavoidable stress and conflict call for acts of mercy to be expressed or received.

The major reason to withhold giving or receiving mercy is lack of trust. The underlying excuse for people to avoid receiving or extending mercy is so weaknesses and vulnerabilities can remain hidden. Some individuals stubbornly cling to old ways of thinking and feeling to keep themselves emotionally safe.

Some situations appear locked up, but old boundaries can be eased by the testing of this old axiom: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Hosea10:12 encourages you to “Plow new ground for yourself, plant righteousness, and reap the blessings your devotion produces.” Christ in you prompts you to press onward so you can reap his blessing.      

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Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

~Mark 11:24 New International Version

 

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.

~Psalm 37:5 New International Version

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Can You Rid Yourself of Inferiority?

 Domestic violence exists in families because the offender believes the lie that physical force is the only way to settle conflicts and disputes. Another lie connected to family violence is that feelings of inferiority are caused other people. Eleanor Roosevelt stated, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

The perpetrator of family violence has to face their inferiority, which is linked closely to fear. This is difficult because it demands a change in how to cope with the pressures of life. Eleanor Roosevelt also believed, “You gain courage and confidence by doing what you think you cannot do.”

The opposite of inferiority is self-assurance, which is gained through trust in yourself and God’s word. David asked God to create in him a clean heart. God’s grace and mercy diminish the power of inferiority and replace it with faith strong enough for change. Ask God for courage to make this transition.

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I trust in God and am not afraid; I praise him for what he has promised. What can a mere human being do to me?

~Psalm 56:4 Good News Bible

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How Are Expressions of Gratitude Helpful?

Jesus was consistent in warning us that the future is unpredictable. The economy is subject to change, and the political climate will not always be to our liking. The value of wealth can diminish without warning, yet in Matthew 6:34 Jesus tell us not to worry about tomorrow for it will present worries of its own.

There is no way to entirely control the future. Still, we as human beings need to be assured that life as we know it will continue undisturbed. Predictable change prompts us to rediscover gratitude and thanksgiving as we realize God’s provision and protection continue as we place our trust in him.

Expressions of gratitude should be permanent in our consciousness. Listen to this reminder. “Give thanks to the Lord. Remember the wonders he has done and his miracles. Sing praises to him and tell of his wonderful acts.” Thanksgiving diminishes fear and anxiety as we focus consistently on his love, his mercy and goodness. 

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Tell the heavens and the earth to celebrate and sing; command every mountain to join in the song. The Lord’s people have suffered, but he has shown mercy and given them comfort.

~Isaiah 49:13 Contemporary English Version

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Our Approachable Most High God

Everything has a name and purpose. Names distinguish people and things. The name Jesus envisions excellence and power. Listen to his words: “I tell you the truth; anyone who has faith in me will do greater things than I do for I’m going to the Father, and whatever you ask in my name, I will do."

Character is indicative of a person’s integrity, honesty, and behavior. God's character is reflected in the name El Elyon, which translates as God Most High. We often fail to remember that God is high and lifted up above every name and object that we value and prize. Yet God Most High is approachable to us.

David reminds us to trust in the unfailing love of the Most High God to prevent being shaken by life’s trials and problems. The Most High God  provides hope as well as security and safety. Trusting in what God will do helps you love him with all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind.  

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This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

~1 John 5:14 New International Version

I call to God, the Most High, to God, who supplies my every need. He will answer from heaven and save me; he will defeat my oppressors. God will show me his constant love and faithfulness.

~Psalm 57:2-3 Good News Bible

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Give God Your Worries – and Your Gratitude

Happiness and thanksgiving are adversely affected by anxiety and worry. Researchers have noted that excessive levels of anxiety and worry negatively impact our physical and mental health. Before the Industrial Revolution and the production of safe food and modern medicine, a major worry was staying alive one day at a time.

The make-up of personal worries varies, but even minor concerns can diminish happiness and the willingness to be thankful. For instance, our drinking water is as safe as any nation’s, yet one of the best-selling products in stores is filtered bottled water. It feels safer drinking water from a bottle than from a faucet.

When worry prompts you to change what is unhealthy, destructive or bad, then worry is appropriate; however, when it robs you of peace of mind and the inability to be thankful, including feelings of joy, then reassessing your faith in God is in order. Strong, godly faith diminishes worry and restores your trust that God will give you peace and joy.  

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Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.

~Colossians 3:15 Contemporary English Version

Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.

~1 Peter 5:7 The Living Bible