Vol. 19 No. 48 | December 3, 2017
We read it on our money. (You remember money, the green paper bills we once used to pay for things.) We see it on government buildings; hear it preached in church services; and boast it in secular, patriotic, and religious songs.
In God we trust.
We hear and say these words repeatedly, yet it seems to me what we are saying and what we are actually doing are two very different things.
So my question is, do we really trust in God?
Because if we really trust in God, why do we panic when the stock market drops?
If we really trust in God, why are we so anxious when those in power threaten war?
If we really trust in God, why do we pray and pray for Godly wisdom, spiritual guidance, and strength to live for God, but at the first sign of difficulty, we revert back to our human resources?
I know these questions have been asked for centuries, and they will continue to be asked long after I’m gone. I also realize that economic disasters, nuclear war, and personal crises are valid concerns that deserve our attention. But if we really trust in God, shouldn’t the way we deal with these potential disasters be different?
When David’s entire world seemed to be in turmoil (Psalm 31:1-13) he responded with:
But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hands; (14-15)
After Solomon had explored and experienced almost everything life could offer, he concluded:
Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.
For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
In another place Solomon shared:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
John wrote:
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)
Let me reiterate, I completely understand that we live in uncertain times. Fear is being used to manipulate our decisions and convince us that the days ahead are going to be worse than days past. Some of them will be worse, but if we trust in God, we can face those challenging days with faith and courage.
Remember God said:
Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. (Joshua 1:4-6, NIV)
He also said:
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5, NIV)
If it is true that in God we trust, let’s live like that is our truth. Let’s show the world those words are not just what we say, they are what we do.
Tom
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2017. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.