It’s no surprise that trust is in short supply these days.
A dictionary definition of trust is: “a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.”
A post-modern culture that insists truth is relative offers no foundation for confidence. Leadership failures in our society (political, business, and church) makes us skeptical to trust.
A friend of mine, speaking of our up-coming political elections, expressed her hopelessness: “I think the only thing I can do is to pick the lesser of two poisons.” She’s not alone; many have similar feelings. We’ve heard the promises before. We’ve witnessed the lack of follow-through, too many times.
I’m not surprised we find it hard to trust.
There are also ethical differences. Morality based on preference or convenience, rather than integrity grounded in God’s commandments, serves to only advance relativism (the belief that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture and are not absolute)—widening the gap between us.
And what about injustice? It isn’t easy to find commonality in the pursuit of fairness due to our diverse opinions. While “your truth” may be right for you, it may not be suitable for me. And some insist that “my truth” may not be right for them.
Perhaps that’s the problem.
Maybe it’s not “my truth” — or “your truth” that will get us to the table of reconciliation. Is it possible we are chasing the “wrong truth?”
We are not the first people who have faced this dilemma. History reveals the outcome of societies that reject God’s commandments and insist on setting their “own” compass. We’re not the first nation inclined to forget—and reject—God.
So, we shouldn’t be shocked to understand why it’s challenging to trust when we allow the foundation of truth to crumble.
The wisdom of Proverbs is a timely reminder for us who live with so much uncertainty:
“In the fear of the Lord, one has strong confidence, and one’s children will have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death.[1]”
“The fear of the LORD,” or “fear the LORD” is a much-repeated phrase in Proverbs. The writers realize the essence of knowledge and wisdom begins when we “fear” or recognize, revere, and respect God’s character.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).
When our lives are in turmoil, our cities in chaos, our leaders in disagreement, and fears of COVID are all around us: Where are you placing your trust?
As I redirect my focus on God’s character, I remember where my security is. Recalling God’s faithfulness bolsters my confidence and diverts my attention from what’s around me, helping me to trust once again.
As a parent and grandparent, I recognize how essential it is to be an example to my children and grandchildren. I want them always to remember: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:2).
As tensions and fear escalate, immersing ourselves in God’s Word is essential. The Bible is not just a compilation of ancient texts collected into the Holy Bible. The Biblical account of God’s love for the human race is not a fairytale or dead story.
“Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.[2]”
The written Word of God is as relevant today as when first recorded by men inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).
Although trust may appear to be in short supply, it’s possible to regain confidence.
The Psalmist, troubled, perplexed, and out of answers discovers how to live confidently in times of uncertainty:
“Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise. Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your ordinances.[3] (Psalm 119:41-43) [emphasis mine].
So, whose truth will we choose to believe?
[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Pr 14:26–27.
[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Heb 4:12.
[3] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Ps 119:41–43.