Trust in God
Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will act for us; for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.”
—1 Samuel 13: 6
Father and son, Saul and Jonathan, couldn’t offer more of a contrast. They are both surrounded by enemies. Jonathan, grounded in a faith based on trust, initiates a plan, climbing the crags of the rocky landscape, ever mindful of signs of God’s purpose. And Saul, determined to rout his enemies at any cost, grabs impulsively at whatever will bring him success, spewing rash oaths that seem to be bargains with God and which only serve to harm his troops and put his son’s life in danger.
Whenever the shadow of trouble darkens our lives, we have choices. Sometime it's best to wait and watch, keeping our eyes open for possibilities that seem to move us in God’s direction. At other times, our heart tells us to step forward in faith, knowing that “nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” In either case, it's trust that makes all the difference. Jonathan begins his climb knowing that God is with him, and so readies himself for service. God may or may not act according to Jonathan’s desire, no matter. Jonathan is poised to act according to God’s.
But how do we know whether God wants action or waiting? How do we discern God’s direction? If we are to follow the example of Jonathan, we look, we listen and we trust, eschewing oaths and bargains meant to sway God’s designs in favor of an open heart ready to follow.
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. —Psalm 9.10
When we place our trust in him, when we open our heart to his spirit, he comes through. He then lives in us, he teaches us by his presence, and he guides us into a free and vital life.
—Brian Taylor
excerpted from Becoming Human: Trust in Jesus
If you wait, God will manifest Himself. —Thomas Keating
Growth in trust, in radical trust in God, is radical trust in the One in whom we live and move and have our being. Put in quite secular language, radical trust is what can free us from that self-preoccupation and anxiety that mars our lives and confines our lives. It frees us for that self-forgetfulness of faith, for that willingness to live our lives in a way that is spent in the name of a larger vision, that willingness to spend and be spent. That's what comes out of faith as trust.
—Marcus Borg
excerpted from Trusting Radically
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be... May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you... May you be content knowing you are a child of God... Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of you.
—Mother Teresa
To “believe” in something is to give your heart to it. The God-life then is about giving your heart to God. Your broken heart. Your disbelieving heart. Your divided, angry, fearful heart. Your hard heart. You do not, of course, have the power to transform your own heart, but you do have the power to offer it, no matter what condition it is in, to the God who is able to make all things new.
—Eyleen Farmer
excerpted from the question What if I'm not certain what I believe?
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. —Psalm 37.5
Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what is best for your life. You expect Him to keep His promises, help you with problems, and do the impossible when necessary."
—Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life
Courage brother, do not stumble, though thy path be dark as night: There is a star to guide the humble, Trust in God, and do the right. Let the road be dark and dreary and its end far out of sight. Face it bravely, strong or weary. Trust in God, and do the right. —Norman Macleod
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. —Ecclesiastes 3:1
Discernment for Christians involves discernment that is shaped in relation to God, in relation to a source of knowledge, wisdom, and direction, that is beyond our selves.
—Stephen Holmgren excerpted from The Sacred Map
Gracious God, I feel so uncertain, so unsure. I want to trust that you are real and present, that you are acting on my behalf, that you hear and will answer my prayers. Yet, my confidence is spent, my faith flat. You speak in my heart and tell me to seek your face, and I am seeking -- longing for the sureness of your presence…
—excerpted from A Prayer for Coping with Doubt
Trust in the LORD forever, for in the LORD GOD *
you have an everlasting rock. —Isaiah 26.4
