Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"Building Trust"
July 24, 2020
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.
We each have a desire for things to make sense. This certainty of mind, however, isn't always possible. Life often gives us more gray areas than it does black and white. When it comes to matters of faith, we are to trust in God's Word. However, this is a constant struggle because of the continued presence of sin in our lives. We want to trust in God. We know we should rely on Him exclusively in all situations. But then, we also want to know that if we have to—if it really comes down to it—we can handle the situation ourselves.
In other words, we like to hedge our bets. If it looks like God isn't going to give us the answer we seek, we are prepared to step in and take care of the matter for Him. Faith, however, isn't supposed to be provisional, is it? It's not something we apply on one occasion, only to suspend on another.
Our relationship with God is based on faith. By faith, we acknowledge Him as Creator of the heavens and the earth. By faith, we believe He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. By faith, we trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding. We have this faith knowing that though we may fall short, God's power, mercy, and love will never fall short.
The condition of our faith and the way we exercise it very much concerns God, according to the book of Hebrews. It says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the Word of God so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible" 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 11:1-3, 6).
It is important that we nourish our faith by reading the Bible, gathering with other believers, and taking time to pray regularly. We live in a world that does not regard the Christian faith highly. Therefore, as Christians, it's important to guard our faith so as not to be swayed by society and circumstances that downplay our faith and the Savior we love and worship (see 2 Timothy 1:13-14).
In spite of these challenges, may our faith in Him increase so that we, too, may lead lives pleasing to Him.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Your Son died for each one of us and through the Holy Spirit You give us faith to believe in You and live for You. Grant us a faith that increases daily. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. How are you with trusting people, in general? Do they have to "prove" themselves to you, or do you give them the benefit of the doubt?Taken from a Daily Devotion prepared by Dr. Melissa Salomón. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
2. How hard is it to trust in God? How is your trust in Him renewed or strengthened?
3. What do you do to show others you are a trustworthy person?
How are you with trusting people, in general? Do they have to "prove" themselves to you, or do you give them the benefit of the doubt?
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