EVERYTHING WE NEED: Who Do You Trust?

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Johnny Carson hosted a television game show called “Who Do You Trust?” From a proper perspective, that is a good question: Who do you trust in your daily life?

Some may trust in their wealth to satisfy their desires, buy their way out of trouble and even offer prestige in society. It is unreliable, however, and cannot guarantee comfort or protection. The Bible warns: “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle” (Prov. 23:4-5 NIV).

Other people may trust in the government, thinking it will look out for its citizens. Or they turn to prestigious people who seem to have all the answers. Again, the Bible has something to say: “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.” (Psalm 146:3-4).

What about people who trust in themselves? They do not need help from anyone, especially not from God. The Bible also warns about self-reliance: “He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe” (Prov. 28:26).

Even when we turn to our parents or friends for guidance, our relationship with them can go only so far. We are sure to disappoint them regardless of our best intentions. Someone recently gave two good rules to live by:

• When it comes to people, trust and verify.

• When it comes to God, trust Him with all your heart.

Who, then, is truly trustworthy? Who will guide us in the right direction? Again, we turn to God’s Word. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3:5-6). This verse is a favorite of mine and is often repeated when trouble arises and panic grabs hold. Trusting in my own knowledgeis futile. My own understanding is faulty and unreliable. Only God can be trusted to solve my problems and lead me in the right direction. We must remember, however, that a period of silence does not mean He is not behind the scenes working on our behalf. We must “…be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).

Trust is a “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something.” For believers, it is having full confidence in God, knowing, beyond any doubt, that He is in control regardless of any circumstances we may face. He is completely trustworthy! In a world where trust is sometimes difficult, promises are not kept or even long-time friendships end, we can depend on God. He is dependable, unshakeable and trustworthy.

But what does it mean to trust God “…with all your heart”? It means to acknowledge and depend on Him and always give of yourself wholeheartedly, regardless of circumstances. We learn to do this through consistent prayer and Bible study. This same phrase is repeated in Matt. 22:37-38, when Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”

As always, the Bible tells us everything we need to know to live a confident, productive life. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him” (Jer. 17:7). Who do you trust?