Isn't that a loaded question? Let's first look at the definition of the word trust.
trust
-noun
1. reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.
2. confident expectation of something; hope.
3. confidence in the certainty of future payment for property or goods received; credit: to sell merchandise on trust.
4. a person on whom or thing on which one relies: God is my trust.
5. the condition of one to whom something has been entrusted.
6. the obligation or responsibility imposed on a person in whom confidence or authority is placed: a position of trust.
7. charge, custody, or care: to leave valuables in someone's trust.
8. something committed or entrusted to one's care for use or safekeeping, as an office, duty, or the like; responsibility; charge.
–verb (used without object)
9. to rely upon or place confidence in someone or something (usually fol. by in or to): to trust in another's honesty; trusting to luck.
10. to have confidence; hope: Things work out if one only trusts.
11. to sell merchandise on credit.
–verb (used with object)
2. God's word: Psalm 119:42 - So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. 12. to have trust or confidence in; rely or depend on.
13. to believe.
14. to expect confidently; hope (usually fol. by a clause or infinitive as object): trusting the job would soon be finished; trusting to find oil on the land.
15. to commit or consign with trust or confidence.
16. to permit to remain or go somewhere or to do something without fear of consequences: He does not trust his children out of his sight.
17. to invest with a trust; entrust with something.
18. to give credit to (a person) for goods, services, etc., supplied: Will you trust us till payday?
Ok, that's a lot to digest. Wouldn't you agree? So what does it mean, really? The words that resonate to me over and over are: to have confidence in, rely on, expect confidently, hope.
The Bible says that trust is to be placed in:
1. God's name: Psalm 33:21 - For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name 3. Christ: Matthew 12:17-21 -
17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 18 “ Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen,
My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased!
I will put My Spirit upon Him,
And He will declare justice to the Gentiles.
19 He will not quarrel nor cry out,
Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench,
Till He sends forth justice to victory;
21 And in His name Gentiles will trust.”
The Bible also tell us that trust is not to be placed in:
1. Weapons: Psalm 44:6 - For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me.
2. Wealth: Psalm 49: 6-7 - Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches, 7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him—
3. Leaders: Psalm 146:3 - Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help
4. Humankind: Jeremiah 17:5 - Thus says the LORD: “ Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD.
5. Works: Jeremiah 48:7 - For because you have trusted in your works and your treasures, You also shall be taken. And Chemosh shall go forth into captivity, His priests and his princes together.
6. One's Own Righteousness: Ezekial 33:13 - When I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, but he trusts in his own righteousness and commits iniquity, none of his righteous works shall be remembered; but because of the iniquity that he has committed, he shall die.
I will be pondering all that the Lord is teaching me on trust and trusting Him. Today, This Day I put my trust in the God of hope. Next week, I will be looking at the benefits of putting my trust in Him.
Peace and Joy,
Susan
5 comments:
I share the same trust.
It helps for me to realize "he is the same today,yesterday and will be forever". Have a blessed day, Susan!
A beautiful post Susan. Thank you.
I too will put my trust in the LORD... Just as our U.S. currency states:
"In God we trust!" Well, at least I do.
I needed this reminder. I SAY I trust Him, but I don't always ACT like I trust Him. I think He needs help sometimes, my help. All He wants is my obedience, and being obedient means trusting! Thank you for this post!
Susan,
I'm reading a great book on what happens when women trust God and because it comes with a Bible study I might do something along those lines with something weekly. Let me know if you are interested.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
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