Who Do You Trust?
Just about everyone who drives a car has a story of an experience that left them angry, frightened, shaken, or just shaking his or her head. We consider ourselves safe, law abiding drivers and are concerned when someone is driving erratically or aggressively. The closer they are to us, the more uncomfortable we become, visualizing what can happen if they continue driving as they are.
Recently, while driving on a local bypass, in the right lane, going the 55 mph speed limit, I was passed by a young man in a pickup, who came up behind me, zipped around, and then pulled abruptly in front of me – a little too close for comfort. I got to thinking about how much trust he had placed in me – a total stranger – trusting that my reflexes were sharp enough to hit the brakes if he pulled over a little too closely, and trusting that my car’s brakes were in good condition.
Most of us are careful if not downright skeptical in trusting someone we don’t know. Why should we? We generally trust those closest to us – family members and friends, but other relationships need to develop before we are able to feel we can really count on someone. It’s natural to feel a need to protect ourselves, and not get into a problem situation because of misplaced trust. And when trust is broken, it’s not easily reestablished.
The Old Testament gives us many examples of the conflict the people of Israel felt about being in relationship with one all-powerful God, whose presence was not visible or tangible to them. After all, idol worship and belief in numerous deities was common throughout the known world of the time. A visible presence around which many people gathered probably carried a feeling of reality for those hoping to communicate with a higher power.
The prophets, kings and leaders of Israel faithfully taught and encouraged the people to believe and trust in God. They were given the Law as a means of understanding God’s will for them, as well as teaching them how to live in peace with one another. The Psalms are filled with verses acknowledging God’s creative power and his enduring love and care, in good times or bad, in victory or defeat.
With the birth of Jesus, his ministry of teaching and healing, and his death and resurrection, God’s promise to his people came to fruition. The disciples and followers heard and believed the new message assuring salvation and everlasting life for those who trusted in God’s word. We don’t need to worry or wonder over who we can trust, as God’s promises are kept, and he is always with us.
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers
Additional references: Psalms 21, 37, 52 & 143; Proverbs 3, Isaiah 26:3, Romans 15:13.