In God I trust. No, that statement has nothing to do with slogans, with politics, or with America. It has to do with the foundation on which I have built—and continue to build—my life.
This morning, I read: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:5, New International Version)
First, let me tell you what that verse does NOT say. It doesn’t say that no one is trustworthy, that we should be suspicious of everyone’s motives. It doesn’t say that we should look out for #1 (that’s a number, not a hashtag). It doesn’t say that everyone is out to get us and we should always be looking over our shoulders. That’s a terrible way to live and is not God’s intent for us.
It DOES say that our security and strength are not found in others OR in us (we are flesh ourselves, after all). If we ever forget that the only sure foundation is Jesus Christ, or if we see Him as our last resort after all others have failed, we are headed for disaster.
Two verses later: “But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV)
This is the sure foundation: complete trust and confidence in Him. I think this is what the Apostle Peter had in mind when he wrote, “Cast ALL your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV, emphasis mine)
I trust you and I want you to trust me, but we will let each other down. One of my foundational truths is, “In God I trust.” Would you join me in that?
Question: How can we keep from becoming cynical and suspicious in our view of the trustworthiness of others?
Leave a comment below. I’d love to learn from your perspective. Our community would be encouraged as well.
