Psalm 37:5-6
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
In general, people are hesitant to trust. For good reasons, many shrink back when hearing the word “trust” because of past hurts and disappointments. That pain can come from a variety of places: abandonment by a parent; a dishonest church or civic leader; betrayal from a close friend; or, most difficult of all, distrust in oneself. I meet people weekly who are in a major trust crisis.
While distrust among people is understandable and often justifiable, distrust also brings with it an unintended consequence - one that will stifle your ability to grow and mature spiritually. This happens when distrust becomes embedded in your heart preventing you from fully trusting the only One who is worthy of all your trust. In other words, if you have a constant, distrusting attitude towards people, you will likely have a constant, distrusting attitude towards God.
The good news is that broken trust in your past does not need to hijack your future. You can learn to trust again and enjoy all the benefits of placing your life in the Father’s Hands. It will not happen instantly, but it will happen in step with God’s perfect timing. Here are seven practical suggestions:
1. Keep a journal of all the small ways God is faithful to you daily.
2. Put your trust in God not a man/woman of God.
3. Confess your honest feelings of distrust to God asking Him to help you.
4. Choose not to overreact or overthink when walking in confusing seasons.
5. Stop spending energy and effort on people who are not trustworthy.
6. Evaluate your progress semi-annually not daily.
7. Understand that trust is a choice not a reward.
We worship the God who is able to sympathize with the pain of betrayal and broken trust. He has experienced them daily since that fateful day in the Garden. Yet, God does not break His covenant with us. It is not in His nature to do so. He alone is worthy and worth your learning to trust again.
Ex nihilo,
R.J. Rhoden
This is perfectly said! Its almost like having a vase fall off the shelf. It falls the first time, and you glue the broken piece back. But if it shatters again, you may not be able to find every little piece that broke. Same goes with the worlds system with trust. I forgive you if you lie one time, but continuing to lie cause distrust. Only GOD himself can truly restore our trust back in full.
ReplyDeleteTonight's Word on wickedness was unbelievable! How true that we may start doing something that we think is not going to bother anyone until your caught and your life and your loved ones lives are changed forever! Thank you Pastor Rob for not withholding the whole truth in GOD's Word! It was a very important reminder that evil and wicked behavior leads to tragedy and death.
Lives have truly been changed for the better at CCOM! I believe that a declaration needs to be publicly made that this ground is Holy Ground and even though this church caters to a variety of people, there should be a standard such as No Smoking in front of the church, no playing music with cussing in it, and no cussing in the building!
I am forever grateful for the Word that goes fourth that challenges me to change!
Thank you again!
Thanks so much, Kim! Always appreciate your insights and comments!
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