Daily devotional, July 13, 2024 Cliche
"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 make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
We see the phrase “Trust in God” almost everywhere, and we hear it from at least one or two persons who have endeavored to comfort us during our times of trouble. In the Philippines, we see it in Jeepneys, in bumper stickers, and we even have it written in ref magnets, souvenirs, and even see it in houses, schools, and offices. In the US, it is even in their money. But do we really know what it means to “Trust God,” and do we really trust Him?
One of the usual analogies scholars use to demonstrate what it means to trust God is being on a sinking boat. Imagine you are in a boat, there was a storm, and it got ripped into pieces. You hold on to one big piece of wood to keep yourself afloat. And then you see a rescue ship, and the rescuer throws a lifesaver on you. Do you let go of the piece of wood you are holding on to, grab the lifesaver and allow yourself to be rescued?
While it will take effort to get hold of the lifesaver, and you will need courage to let go of the piece of wood that keeps you afloat, entrusting that the lifesaver will bring you to the rescue ship could end your distress and aimless floating in the deep waters. It is the same when we surrender our life to Christ, we have to believe that it is He who could give us forgiveness and Eternal Life, and that since we ascribe our faith in Him we will make Him the Lord and number one priority of our life.
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Hebrews 11:6
So what does it mean to trust God as a present-day Christian? Let us consider the following points:
1. He is the ruler of your life.
The first and foremost meaning of trusting God is to make Him sovereign over our lives. God has for us commandments and teachings that we ought to follow as Christians. It is like a law that we have to follow when we are in a certain country. Once we say that we trust God, it means that we trust Him enough to believe that WHAT HE THINKS IS RIGHT, will be good for us, and so we will obey Him.
For instance if we are making a life-changing decision, do we honor what God thinks is best or do we follow what we desire? IF WE REALLY TRUST GOD, we will align the decision that we are to make with His commands and teachings, EVEN IF it does not seem convenient, comfortable, or profitable for us. And we do this because we know that He knows what is best for us, and that He has good plans for us.
"Commit your way to the Lord;trust in Him, and he will act."
Psalm 37:5
2. He is your number one priority.
When you trust God you will make Him your first priority. God will be number one in your schedule, not just on Sundays, but every single day. You will spend time with Him in prayer daily, and truly enjoy reading and reflecting In His words. Your social calendar contains events and get-togethers that are pleasing to Him — worship, bible study, fellowship with other believers, mission or charity events, and helping other people meet Him.
3. You offer BACK to Him the first fruits of your resources.
When you trust God, it means you will worship Him with the first fruit of your labor and resources. This means that you give the Lord the best chunk of your Time, Talent, and Treasure. The first moments of your day, the fruits of the talent or skills He has blessed you with, and you offer your tithes or donate to your church. Since everything is from Him, we should have grateful hearts that offer thanksgiving in a tangible way. Why should we withhold anything from Him right?
So if we have been blessed with a good voice, why not join the worship team? If we are skilled in writing, then why not try to write God-honouring content on the Internet and social media so that you can help spread the good news? If you have been blessed to be a doctor, why not participate in medical missions from time to time? If you think you do not have any talent or skill at all, why don’t you just make yourself available to help others, and share what you know about God to them?
“For whoever would save his lifewill lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16:25
4. You live to please Him.
When we trust in God, our life’s meaning will change from pleasing ourselves to aiming to please God. It is like when you are in a relationship with someone and you want that relationship to thrive and so you will do what makes that person happy. You will also avoid doing things that will hurt and displease him because you do not want him to be sad or mad at you because you want your relationship to grow even more.
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
When we say that we trust in the Lord, it does not mean shoving all our troubles to Him, asking Him to help out, and resolve it the way He wants to. Trusting the Lord means we will surrender our life and will to Him by obeying His word, living the life according to His teachings and commands, and bearing the fruit of righteousness that will allow us to have meaningful lives.
Earning God’s approval may not exempt us from life’s troubles but it will at least give us the assurance that He will not abandon us and He will be with us through deep waters. That He will help us endure the big waves through the unshakeable faith that comes from the fruit of fully trusting in Him. And when we do, we can claim His promises, and look forward to the gifts He offers us that no amount of earthly treasure can buy — peace of mind amidst difficult circumstances, joy in the face of suffering, godly relationships, and His guidance and presence in our lives.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 37 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you really trust in the Lord?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for being the awesome God that you are. Thank you for inviting me to fully trust in you. Guide me as I work on entrusting every aspect of my life to you, because I want a life fully surrendered to you, and gain the peace of heart that only you can give. Amen.
