Simply Trusting

Forgive me for such a lengthy post but the topic of trusting has been weighing heavily on my heart. In our daily conversations we often speak of trusting the Lord. Whether it is reminding someone to trust the Lord during a difficult time or reminding ourselves to trust the Lord with the day to day details, it seems that this is a common phrase we use. But, what does it really mean to trust the Lord? I've been doing some reading on trusting and here are some common themes that are thread through scripture when it speaks of trust.

• First of all, in whom do we put our trust? Our trust is to be placed into those whose character has been established to be worthy of trust. We know that the Lord and His character have been tried and proven over time. We know that those who have gone before us have experienced the faithfulness of our God. He sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins. His love is beyond measure and has been exemplified throughout time. Our God and Savior is worthy of our trust.

"And those who know Your name
will put their trust in You;
For you, Lord have not
forsaken those who seek You."
Psalm 9:10

"Our fathers trusted in You;
They trusted in You and You delievered them.
They cried to You, and were delivered;
They trusted in You, and were not ashamed."
Psalm 22:4-5

• Those who put their trust in the Lord are not ashamed. To be ashamed is to be disappointed in; to be ashamed is to be confused; to be ashamed is to have a feeling of fear that prevents us from doing something, from accomplishing that which the Lord has clearly set before us. When we do not trust the Lord, we are allowing our fears to choose our paths instead of trusting the Lord who "makes my way perfect" (Psalm 18:32).

"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, I trust in You;
Let me not be ashamed."
Psalm 25:2

"Do not fret...trust in the Lord
and do good...delight yourself also
in the Lord...commit your way
to the Lord, trust also in Him."
Psalm 37:1,3,4,5

"In God I have put my trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"
Psalm 56: 11

• There is vulnerability associated with trusting someone, and that is no different with the Lord. To be vulnerable is to be "unprotected against attack; susceptible to criticism; capable of being wounded or hurt." None of those things sound particularly inviting to me and yet to truly trust someone and reap the blessings associated with that trust, we must be open to allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. To be vulnerable, we must set aside our pride and humble ourselves so that the ones we trust see us for who we really are, faults and all. It is when we are vulnerable that we open ourselves up to wise instruction by those we trust. With the Lord, I think our vulnerability allows Him to search our hearts and weed out the unlovely things in our lives, that we might be made more holy.

"I have also trusted in the Lord;
I shall not slip.
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me;
Try my mind and my heart."
Psalm 26: 1-2

"Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him."
Psalm 62:8

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139:23-24

• There is great blessing associated with trusting the Lord. We find shelter and refuge, safety and protection. We find guidance for our steps and preparation for our paths. We find great rejoicing, fulfillment and satisfaction, and mercies from the Lord that will endure forever. These are just a few of the blessings we partake in as children of God when we choose to trust our Lord. And, that is exactly what trust requires...it is something we choose. It is a daily, hourly, moment by moment decision we must make and as we trust in the Lord, we fall under His protection and receive many blessings in the process.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
There is no want to those who fear Him."
Psalm 34:8-9

"For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings
I will make my refuge..."
Psalm 57:1

"For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name."
Psalm 33:21

"As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him."
Psalm 18:30

"Therefore the children of men put their trust
under the shadow of Your wings.
They are abundantly satisfied
with the fullness of Your house."
Psalm 36:7-8

Why trust? We trust because it declares the works and glory of the Lord. We trust in the Lord because this is true happiness.

"But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all Your works."
Psalm 73:28

"...And whoever trusts in the Lord,
happy is he."
Proverbs 16:20b

To trust is to relinquish control to another. To trust is to not be ashamed. To trust is to be humble. To trust is to fear the Lord. To trust is to realize that the Lord always knows best. To trust is to find blessing and joy.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
from those who walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You."
Psalm 84:11-12