I was handed a can of beer upon entering a high school party. The words of my mother echoed in my ears, "I trust you implicitly; please don't ever betray my trust." As a teenage boy these words could not have been more frustrating! But my mother knew that trust was the glue that held our family together. Now what do I do? As I placed the beer down, I felt a great sense of relief even as my friends chided me.

The predictability and dependability that resides in the value – trust – is not only a glue in families; it is also the oil that lubricates relationships in organizations, schools, churches and governments. Trust allows working relationships to proceed with confidence. However, when trust is devalued vulnerabilities can be easily exploited and abused. Trust in our modern world seems foolishly naïve. Could a handshake actually be enough to bind a commitment and a "man's word his honor" sufficient?

Trust is also at the heart of my relationship to God; I trust him because He is trustworthy. Scripture emphasizes we can count on His character and promises.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.                   (Proverbs 3: 5-6 The Message)

Join me this week in becoming known as trustworthy people who follow a Trustworthy God!

 

Sharing the journey with you,

Bob Snyder