My bottle of water tastes good, but how can I trust the claim that it was sourced from a mountain spring? It’s reported that nearly 40 percent of bottled water is ordinary tap water. Also, many in the UK and Europe are waking up to the growing probability that their breakfast beef sausage is likely breakfast horsemeat sausage. Tests on meat labeled “beef” have exposed widespread fraud in the food industry as horse DNA has been identified. Stories like these breed cynicism, fear, and mistrust.
In the midst of a suspicious culture, there’s One we can trust. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). People, on the otherhand, can be fickle—they let us down and disappoint us. “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9). But we can trust God and His changeless Word. “I am the LORD, and I do not change” (Malachi 3:6).
If you’ve been burnt by someone you trusted, bruised by the cold reality of broken promises, Jesus says, “Don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). Scripture does, however, warn us to be wise: “Guard your heart above all else” (Proverbs 4:23).
As we walk in step with Jesus, we can discern whom to trust, where to go, and what to do. In John 8:32, Jesus reaffirms His promise: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”—a promise that lasts a lifetime. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
I’m assured, as I think of a hymn by Edward Mote: “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.”
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 4:1-16
More:
Read Proverbs 3:5-6 and consider what it says about trusting God.
Next:
Who has broken your trust? How can trusting God help you deal with this broken relationship?
LCC on January 3, 2014 at 1:49 am
Happy New Year to you Ruth!
I like the title of your article and more so I am blessed to have read your article as we start the new year. I have been facing a lot of challenges in the workplace and many times I felt struggling alone with my work to meet the expections of my bosses. My colleagues and superior are too busy taking care of their own jobs. But God has been good and have been assuring me that though He did not remove me from the situations or remove the situations I face, He is with me in the situations. On new year day, the Lord led me to visit the story of Daniel. And the thing that struck me was how he depended on God in all situations he faced. How he trusted the Lord (Daniel 6:23). Thank You Jesus that we can trust in You wholeheartedly. You are our solid Rock that never change and You keep to Your Word!
tom felten on January 3, 2014 at 8:42 am
Good thoughts, Ruth. At the start of the New Year, it’s a blessing to know that the God we know and love can be trusted. This morning I had a great talk with a close friend. We discussed possible big changes in his life and the challenges of other people we know. It was great to be able to end our conversation in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for each situation!
ruth o'reilly-smith on January 3, 2014 at 12:04 pm
Hi LCC, I’m praying for you in your work situation. Daniel is a great example of someone who trusted in God no matter the final outcome of the situation – whether God delivered him from the mouths of the lions or not, he trusted the eternal perspective of the eternal God who will faithfully bring something good of of a seemingly bad situation. Always trust in God’s eternal perspective.
LCC on January 5, 2014 at 11:07 pm
Thanks Ruth. Your prayer is appreciated very much and also your advice 🙂
God bless you!
ruth o'reilly-smith on January 3, 2014 at 12:18 pm
Thanks Tom, in recent months I’ve had to learn to truly surrender to God and His ultimate good purpose and will in my life – being content no matter the situation. It’s not easy journeying through the tough stuff of life, but trusting God’s ultimate good for us is the best way to live an abundant life. Praying for your friend today.
winn collier on January 6, 2014 at 12:44 pm
I had something else I think I wanted to say, but I just can’t get past the ‘horse meat.” Yuckers.
ruth o'reilly-smith on January 6, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Hi there Winn – I’m sorry the ‘horse meat’ reference distracted you a little.. I remain resolutely focused as a vegitarian (who does enjoy fish..and dairy..and the smell of cooked bacon..)