“In God we trust…” In this age of political-correctness, many have removed the very phrase that the United States was founded on from our schools, our government buildings, from advertising, and I hear they are attempting to do so even with respect to our money.
It has made me question. In whom do we trust? Or more fundamentally, what does trust mean?
Dictionary.com defines trust as: Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence; depend on; to believe; to expect confidently; to permit to remain or go somewhere or to do something without fear of consequences.
Who or what am I relying upon or placing my confidence in? Who am I depending on? Who or what am I believing? In whom or what am I placing my confident expectation?
Rumors have circulated about companies printing the Pledge of Allegiance without the phrase “under God,” or even our American currency without the phrase “In God we trust.” But it started me thinking…in whom do we trust?
We entrust our children to their schools each day. We entrust our transportation needs to our vehicles and the roadways on which we drive. We entrust our entertainment to the media industry. We entrust our nutrition to our grocers.
We entrust so much of ourselves and our daily needs to others without a second thought. And yet, so often, we struggle to trust our Creator.
Scripture is very clear that we are to put our trust in God, rather than others.
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes” (Psalm 118:8-9).
“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety” (Proverbs 29:25)
“Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they?” (Isaiah 2:22).
“Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5)
While God created others for our companionship and fellowship, He never intended for us to put our trust in them above Him. Yet so often, we trust the word of man while struggle to trust God.
God is working all things together for good…we just can’t see the details yet. But we can trust Him who is faithful and true.
Why do you think we struggle to trust God unswervingly? I’m interested in your thoughts.
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Hope Prevails
Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression
Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Speaking from personal and professional experience, a neuropsychologist unpacks what depression is, shows how it affects us spiritually, and offers hope for living the abundant life.Set featured image
Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression
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- Helpful features include personal stories, biblical truths, prayers, and music recommendations
In Hope Prevails, Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion and empathy, blending her extensive training and faith, to offer readers a hope that is grounded in God’s love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God’s grace, it cannot do. The result is a treatment plan that addresses the whole person—not just chemical imbalances in the brain.
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Love these scripture references. It takes a bit of effort to examine where we put our trust. If we allow God to show us, he will reveal the countless ways in which we put our trust in man, rather than him.
I have been finding that seeking the approval of man is inherent in the social media structure. This creates quite the conundrum when one has chosen social media as the vehicle to communicate one’s faith. The various facets of participation can add stress and take up precious time. I am praying about this – not because I want to back out but because I want to have a pure heart about using social media.
Diane, it is wise to examine where and in whom we place our trust. I think you’re right that the approval of man is a big snare that social media perpetuates. While it is a vehicle of communication that doesn’t appear to be losing any ground, we must guard our hearts above all else! Blessings to you as you seek Him first. Trust in Him shall prevail!
I cannot speak for others, but for my own struggles, i find it hard at times to trust God because of past “let down” where there is no good answer to the question why. The unanswerable why do bad things happen, wheres the protection of Ps. 91? Often the word states God protects those who trust in Him yet life proves otherwise. And I am fully aware we live in a fallen world.
Just my musings.