It’s on our money. Every time we spend money we are confronted with that phrase. The odd thing is, whatever value we have placed on that purchase we acknowledge by the amount we spend- all of it marked with “In God We Trust.” If we were entirely truthful, we would probably admit that all too often we don’t think about our trust in God. We rely on our talents, skills, jobs, and even the advice of others before we consider our trust relationship with Jesus. Trust. The picture comes to mind of a little child jumping into the arms of their father from a height that would normally be filled with peril. The fear and anxiety vanish as the child gazes into the eyes of the father. Confidence and even joy washes over the young face. Just a moment, and then the jump. Full release to the care and provision of the arms that represent safety and strength.
Trust takes two parties at a minimum. Trust is not a one-way street nor is it a singular effort. It takes both a deliverer and a recipient. The receiver would never “jump into the arms” of a god fashioned from his own kind with the same limitations but rather reaches for someone and something that is greater than himself. Ironically, it takes effort from both parties and an understanding of what is requested and what is provided.
Trust involves a relationship. I know of no one who has a healthy trust in someone they have neither knowledge nor concept. The relationship can be personal, or it can be distant. In between there are varying degrees or levels of depth invested. If it’s of a personal nature, there is time and interaction leading to a foundation of trust. If it is distant, then there is research and study given to support a trust. This is often given to leaders, doctors, etc. where there is experience and certification that deems them worthy of trust.
Trust also requires bidirectional understanding. The deliverer must fully know what is requested and be prepared to extend the provision in the manner, time and volume that fulfills the need. The recipient/requestor must also understand in whom his trust is placed. One wouldn’t take their car to a dentist for repair.
Although these things seem basic, they are foundational to a trust venture on any level. With God, it is the highest level.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – 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 direct your paths.
Psalm 32:10-11, Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
During these present times, who greater is there and to whom or what shall we trust? 2 Timothy 1:7 states, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity or fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
There are numerous opinions backed by numerous ideologies; political, social, medical and spiritual. Many of these are driven by any number of goals but we are reminded that ultimately, both temporarily and eternally, our greatest trust must be placed in God. Our health, financial situation and finally our eternity is fully in his hands; those which fashioned the heavens and the earth and all that is within. To this Holy God we pray in this time of crisis. We ask for His power to be in and demonstrated through us. May His love be displayed through our actions to all and in every area of our lives. May his wisdom give us clarity and guide us through this Covid-19 peril and beyond.
Finally, as the intent was for the inscription on our monies, may we be reminded every time we gather coin, bills or swipe a card, that our trust is not in our finances or our own abilities but is in the one Who gave his all so that we might live, now and eternally.