How to Grow Trust

A story is told about Oliver Cromwell, a 17^th century politician and military leader, who ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland for a short time as a republic. He and his man servant were spending the night at an inn. Cromwell, burdened by many events and decisions was unable to sleep. He finally got up and lit a candle and buried his face in his hands. “What am I going to do?”

“If I may ask, sir,” said his servant, “do you believe that God created and has cared for you and this world since before you were born?”

“Of course,” said Cromwell.

“And will God care for this world after you are dead and gone from this earth?” asked the servant.

“Yes.” said Cromwell.

“Then why not let Him handle the present, too, sir.”

God has repeatedly told us that He is our loving Father and has and always will care for us. There is no other who can defeat Him and “get to us”. I believe the primary reason we misplace that reassurance is that we spend too much time listening to the world, its media, and my own flesh. I do not spend enough time listening to the Truth.

God said that He was the I AM (Exodus 3:14). He was, is, and always will be.

God said again that He is the I AM who is first and last and apart from Him there is no other god (Isaiah 44:6).

God promised that before I can call for Him, He will answer, and while I am still talking, He hears me (Isaiah 65:24).

God said that He will clean me up with His water and take out my stoney heart and give me a heart that His Spirit can mold with His teaching (Ezekiel 36:25-27).

Jesus said that if I am weary and feel weighed down by the cares, come to Him and He will give me rest and if I connect with Him, I will find the yoke easy (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus said that to have the promise of eternal life is not something I can find with my works or in anything that I do; it is only possible – all things are possible – with God (Mark 10:27).

Jesus said that if I acknowledge Him, He will acknowledge me on the most important Day of my life (Luke 12:8-10) and not to worry when I am to speak before the Church or authorities to defend myself because His Spirit will tell me what to say (Luke 12:11-12).

Jesus said, on His way to the Cross, not to be troubled or worried, but to trust God – also trust Him (John 14:1).

There isn’t enough space and time today to begin to give a list that even begins to voice the many promises and assurances of God to me. I hope that these few that I have written will inspire or peak your desire to begin reading Isaiah or Luke or John. Read one or two chapters a day and allow the words of God to marinate your heart and spirit so that you walk through your day steeped in the fragrance that makes you salivate for God.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”                John 6:35 (WEB)