To Trust in Jesus
"I said in my alarm, "All men are liars." (Psalm 116:11). Now that is a broad,
sweeping accusation! If you're human, then you're a liar. It occurs to me that
the Psalmist did not say, "All other men are liars" so he is even including
himself in this. I would imagine that many would tend to think that maybe he
overstated his case here, perhaps for emphasis.
But the context suggests another solution. The Psalmist is discussing the
dependability of the Lord. God is absolutely trustworthy in all circumstances.
When it comes to your soul and your eternal well being, in whom do you place
your absolute confidence. Well, in that arena, no human being is trustworthy. We
are all fallible. Many men think themselves "wise" and "expert" but it would be
foolish to place our confidence in them in such matters. Think about it. The
wisest people of our own generation (and our generation is the "wisest" ever,
isn't it?) cannot even agree on life's most basic questions. When it comes to
life, we find failed promises, broken contracts and misjudgments. When it comes
to the soul, we'll find men making empty promises, ignorant statements and
giving perhaps well-meaning but faulty advice. And this is the Psalmist's point.
There are some things that we should only go to God about, and accept only His
word and counsel, and the salvation of our souls is one of those things. Do not
go to man for the answers; go to God.
"'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus"
The old hymn suggests the sweetness of the peace that comes from trusting in
Jesus. He loves us and will not forsake us. We trust in the Father as we trust
in the Son, for you cannot have one without the other. He deserves our
confidence (Titus 1:1,2; 2 Corinthians 1:18-22). We commit ourselves to Him
because we believe in Him. We believe He has both the desire and the ability to
bring our lives to their very best possible conclusions. In fact, with Him, our
lives have no conclusion at all. "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and
the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies..." (John 11:25).
In both Testaments, the theme is expressed by this same statement: "The
righteous shall live by faith." (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17). We are happy,
spiritual people only to the extent that we have put our trust in God.
Trust In His Justice
When facing persecution of any kind, we must trust in God's justice. When
treated unfairly, we must remember that God hates injustice of every sort. He is
deeply concerned that we treat others fairly (Romans 12:17-21).
One of the most difficult things in discipleship is responding to unfair
treatment graciously and righteously. The first impulse is to "get even" because
we do not want someone to get away with mistreating us. But we need to recognize
that God is just. Nothing goes unnoticed and nothing will be unaccounted for.
Trusting God means leaving it to Him to take care of the matter, and not
repaying evil for evil to anyone.
Trust in His Wisdom
As we make daily decisions, this is accomplished in at least two ways. First, we
must become familiar with His word, which is His counsel on making correct
choices. If we must consult human experts, we do so with the knowledge that
their advice is correct only in so far as it complies with the counsel of the
Master Advisor who created all things (2 Timothy 2:15,16; 19).
Secondly, we pray in faith, asking for help in applying His word to our daily
living (James 1:5,6). I may seek advice from godly men and women I respect, but
always with the understanding that their counsel is correct only to the degree
it is compatible with the Scripture.
Trust in His Grace
I also need to trust in God to be forgiving. Yes, I really, really need this
because I am less than perfect. Oh, I can find people who are even further from
perfect than I am, but that does not justify my own mistakes.
Some say they think that God would never forgive them because they do not
deserve it. They are right; they do not deserve it. But they are also wrong,
because the gospel of Christ is for the saving of people who do not deserve it
(John 3:16; Romans 1:16; Acts 2:36-38).
Trust in His Providence
When Isaac asked his father, "Where is the sacrifice?" Abraham answered "God
will provide..." Every good gift comes from God. He knows how to give the things
we truly need. He knows how to comfort in times of loss. He knows how to save
the soul. "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or
shifting shadow" (James 1:17).
It is a sign of a lack of confidence in God and His providence when a believer
worries and frets about his needs (Matthew 6:33,34). Jesus once asked, "If you
then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more
shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!"
(Matthew 7:11). We are sinners, but we manage to care for our children. God will
care for His as well.
Trust in His Compassion
We live in a fallen world, and this means we will face adversity. One must not
assume that God is detached at such times. In fact, this is when the faithful
are most aware of His presence."It is better to go to a house of mourning than
to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the
living takes it to heart." (Ecclesiastes 7:2). If we live by faith, God will
carry us through.
Trust in His Power
We need confidence in God's power to save us in eternity. Of all the benefits
God gives us, this is the chief. Away with cynicism and doubt. Hopelessness and
despair are no longer an issue. "All things are yours." Everything. The Father
is happy to give them. (1 Corinthians 3:18-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24). "Now to
Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church
and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians
3:20,21).
By Jon W. Quinn
From Expository Files 8.12; December 2001
