“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
In whom do you trust? There may have been a few perplexed souls in the congregation that day, when the pastor said, “No where in the bible does it say to trust one another, not me or anyone.” I listened and felt God needed me hear this and allow these words to flow in me through the eyes of God. There was such a profoundness in the depth and breadth of where we place our trust. We trust those we love and cherish in utmost and charitable ways. We love our spouse, children, families and acquaintances with all our hearts and trust them as much as humanly possible. It is kind and admirable and allows us to live in harmony and love. In all our generosity and care, who can say with absolute conviction a human is absolutely perfect in every moment, they will never forsake, abandon, accuse, turn away, betray us and show us absolute divine love beyond what is humanly possible. For those I love I would give my life as they for me, but above all I want for them to put all their trust in God. He will guide them to perfect ways and perfect love. Even in so much that we offer our entire self to God, it is but a small ray of light and a glimpse of the true God. God reminds us, “love me first and foremost” and “love one another”.
In 1873, Horatio’s Spafford’s wife and four daughters sailed on a ship that was struck and killed over 200 people. Tragically his four daughters died but mercifully his wife survived. Prior to this, they lost a son to scarlet fever. Their family endured the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire. In the midst of deep grief and sorrow, “and lack of support from his church and others, he began a spiritual pilgrimage”. Horatio penned a most famous popular Christian hymn, It is Well With My Soul. A verse…When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. Such tragedy is unfathomable but God walks with us through the “valley of the shadow of darkness and we can fear no evil” Psalm 23. To grieve and suffer without God, for me would be impossible and unbearable. To trust in God with all your heart and soul, may indeed seem too great at feat but given the chance you will see it will prosper beyond measure. A life placed in the hands of God has eternal life.
Pain and betrayal can come about in many ways; in a church, workplace, people, events and so on. I recall in my youth, when I was preparing for the sacrament of communion, how excited I was to soon be able to receive the body and blood of Christ. As we took our classes and prepared for the sacrament, a young priest mentioned, our parents were to attend classes with us. But I knew how difficult, with the long hours they worked, it might be for them. I thought that the burning desire I had to receive the eucharist should be enough, but I wasn’t reassured of this. Shyly, I asked the priest “what if my parents aren’t able to attend?” in a loud voice he said, “If your parents can’t come then you don’t need to come either.”. I was young and embarrassed. Probably hurt and confused. I never mentioned it to my parents or anyone what he said that day. Instead I kept it in my heart and prayed. I struggled to understand how and why a holy man should say this to anyone. One thing I knew, God was there. I had such honour and respect for my family and all they did for us. The day came and as I stood at the altar, everything around me melted away as I received communion for the first time. It was the most surreal moment I had ever known. The world paused and it felt as if I had received this tremendous light in my soul. It’s difficult to remember many things from childhood but pain can stick with us. It seems it wants to walk beside us even when we try to push it away. We can also recall the great joys God gave us in these moments. God makes all things good in His time. In the midst of darkness and evil, he is there and will give hope. We can choose to put hate and excuses in our heart or prayer and God’s love. The hurts can be roads of forgiveness when we know God. They can be paths of Glory.
We are part of generation of social media, that can help others but can also misguide when our trust is placed on the fabricated and people that are broken. Guidance that comes from God is most perfect. In my trial and tribulation, my resolve to trust in God became stronger. We can pray for souls that cause pain. We can allow humility to speak louder than pride. We can keep our eyes fixed on God. God is our teacher and will help us learn how to live a most precious and beautiful life. Trials and joy, can be an invitation to form a deeper relationship with God. It can liberate a soul. It can move us from looking within to outward pouring of love for others.
Our heart and life belong to God. He shows us how to live every aspect of our life perfectly and with divinity. Lean on me, he says. The more we grow in spiritual practices the more fruitful our life can be. In God’s infinite wisdom the light will shine far and wide. One can never know the time they have in this life, but for me the greatest gift I can leave my precious, beautiful family and others is to place all their trust in God. In this God’s promise of eternal becomes the most selfless, precious act of pure love. In this we will be together with God and those we love for all eternity. In this season of Lent, may we increase in our Trust in God. May we increase in spiritual practices to help us grow in God’s word, humility and virtues.
5 Bible Verses on Trust
- Philippians 4:19
“My God will meet every need out of his riches in the Glory that is found in Christ Jesus.”.
As far as I can recall I have yearned to write but in the past and now I have placed more trust in others and I have learned the downfall of it. If God has placed this in my heart, all my life, it is for His purpose alone that matters. Recently, while in adoration, a time of deep prayer I felt a gently voice in my heart, “No one is perfect, if you wait to do anything until you are perfect, you will accomplish nothing. No human is perfect. You are my light and my hope. I have placed joy in you for my purpose.” In that moment I felt God guiding me back to share my love for him. I find joy in taking time to make others feel loved by God. I share my faith so that others may hope in him. he has granted me the grace to desire it. Joy lies in Jesus. Like the once slaves of Egypt, we can resist what is good in times of pain, hardship and doubt. We can come to know the true beauty of trust in God.
2. Psalm 33:20 “Our soul waits for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.”
Patience is a virtue. One that does not come easy in a fast paced, information at your fingertips society. At the first sign of discord, we react instead of respond in love. Even a skunk, who is typically shy and docile, when it feels threatened, it sprays its venom. We can think and respond in kindness, forgiveness and prayer for another. We can assume goodwill. If we believe God is our shield, we can feel safe in his arms. We can trust in his promise. We can allow our soul to rest in God ways for us. Life unfolds in so many ways, but with God’s help we can increase in patience. If we place justice in his hands, he can be our protector and guide. What a blessing for you and others.
3. Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.”
As we read closely we see, blessed the man ‘who trusts in’ and ‘whose trust is’. Reflect on this. We can think on the many reasons why it does not say trust in others, but trust the LORD with out whole being, not just parts of our life. What a tremendous opportunity to act and be driven by trust in Him. Give the power to God. We can say yes.
4. Proverbs 29:25 Be not afraid and be safe.“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trust in the Lord is safe.”.
As parents we want to protect our children all pain and hold them forever. It’s most precious to see a child’s face beam as they run into the arms of a safe, loving embrace. How safe and secure one can feel within it. In Italian and Greek culture a embrace and kiss on both cheeks is a sign of God’s love and peace. The more we fill ourselves with things of God’s love the less space fear and evil have to enter. God protects our mind and heart from all things that turn us away from love. It is through a man’s insecurities evil tries to make its way in. God wants to embrace and protect.
5. Psalm 9:10 “And those who know your name trust you because you have not abandoned any who seek you, Lord.”
Know Him. Trust Him. Serve Him. Faith has been a part of my whole life and still I have to remind myself. Sometimes in the difficult or times in which we stray, we can see God’s loving hand calling us back. We can know without any doubt, wherever we are He is there beside us, walking alongside us, even in our coldest day. If we but seek God with steadfast love in all times he will show us the way in times of pain and joy. Olympians in their pursuit for excellence, they train for years, some for life, overcoming great challenges. I think of my faith as a great challenge of love. I know for certain God is worth all and he is way, the truth and the life. He will never abandon us.
May you Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Peace and prayers,
Claudia
OurNourishedSoul