November 29th, 2018

        The Hardest Thing about Trusting God
                        (Psalm 18:30-32)

Psalm 18:30-32, As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
 
God’s way is perfect!  His Word (His promises) has been tried and proven (trustworthy). It has passed the test. God always keeps His Word. He has demonstrated that many times over.  Not only is he a buckler (shield) to those who walk uprightly, He also is a shield and a rock of refuge to all who trust Him. What a profound promise and principle! There is no God but Jehovah. Likewise, there is no rock of foundation except God. David knew that from first-hand experience. David knew that his strength came only from the Lord.
 
Faith isn’t faith as long as it’s holding on to a branch. One day while on a hiking trip, a man fell off the edge of a cliff and began the 800-foot drop to the bottom. He thought it was all over for him until he grabbed a tree branch which stopped his fall. Hanging on for dear life, when it seemed the poor hiker couldn’t hold on any longer, he cried out for help, “Is anyone up there?” He heard a voice: “I am God. Do you trust Me?” “Yes, Lord. I trust You. Can You help me, please?” God answered, “Yes, I will help you. But first, You must let go of the branch.” The hiker was silent for a moment. Then he shouted back, “Is anyone else up there?”
 
There is perhaps nothing more difficult than releasing our grip on a “branch” The hardest part is not knowing how the landing will turn out. We’re so used to holding on to these manufactured securities in life, from relationships, jobs, families, friends, bank accounts, retirement savings, & even our plans for the future. But God can’t help us until we are willing to let go of these things and completely trust Him. The Bible declares, “The just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). That is, they trust God for their every need; for guidance; they rely upon God for every decision. Do not wait until you have everything figured out when God has commanded you to act.
 
Each of us are clinging to a branch of one kind or another.  Your branch might be your job, a relationship with a friend, the stock market, your health, credit score, or your home.  All branches will eventually fail us, but His hand will never let us go. Today God is asking you to let it go and trust Him. When we are trusting Him we are in the safest of all places.  You might not see how the landing will turn out, but God can. He has promised to keep you safe. Unfortunately, there are many people who are not very trustworthy, but we can always trust what our Lord says. Trust what He says.
 
Questions to Consider: Am I facing trust issues in my life today with someone else?  Do I feel I need to be in control of what is happening in my life?  Do I believe that God is in control of everything and has my best interest in mind? 
 
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not trusting that You have everything in control.  Help me to rest in You, knowing that You love me more than anyone else could. I want to completely rely on You today, to take care of all that I need.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.