Webster defines trust – belief that someone or something is reliable, good, honest, effective, etc… Assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something… One in which confidence is placed. (In the Bible these things are described as fruit, good or rotten / the results of someone’s actions)

As a child I trusted in my mother and father for everything; for provisions such as home, food, clothes, love, understanding, and for all the right answers to every situation. There was no question in my mind, I just naturally, by nature, trusted my parents. I believe that’s true for most of us.

As I grew I began to trust in my sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and all members of my family. Then as I was exposed to the outside world I began to trust in teachers, doctors, pastors, and others in authority. I believe I trusted in anyone that others trusted in and that was my guide to who I was supposed to trust in. I believe I can entitle that as the “multitude mentality”. Today in my “elderly” years, I’ve experienced the error of that reasoning.

Eighteen years ago I attended a Bible preaching, believing church for the first time. To his credit, the pastor use to say “There are Bibles in the song book racks in front of you, I would that you read along with me, the Word of God, and not take my word for it.” Well I was skeptical of the whole church thing and so I thought “You batcha I will. I’m not taking your word for it.” Turns out that was probably the best advice I ever got!

From there on out I check with the Book, the Bible, on everything not only what the church says or does but everything around me. The Bible tells us “You’ll know them by their fruit.” Matthew 7:16 While that is referring to false prophets, as you read the whole chapter you will see that it’s about the character of a person. The fruit of a person’s character is what their actions produce and how their way of life affects others. It’s either good or rotten!

The Bible, depending on the translation (KJV,RSV,NKJV,NIV,etc.) it may be said a little different but meaning the same thing, says “trust in the Lord” over 200 times. I believe Jehovah God wants us to trust in Him, NOT IN MAN (WOMAN) not in what man thinks God says but what the Word of God says. That’s my reference place.

The Bible tells us

“Some trust in Chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” We trust in many temporary things that will rust, fall lame or fail in many ways. We trust in government, our employer and our pay check, we trust in our spouses, our pastors, our friends and many other things that may very well fail us. We can even fail ourselves. The only thing that is eternal, faithful, full of mercy and grace is our Father in Heaven.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped…” Psalm 28:7

“I have hated them that regard lying vanities; but I trust in the Lord.” Psalm 31:6 Boy in this pre-election time we are truly hearing lies. And I for one will not put my trust in man or woman, but look to the Lord for all my answers.

“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusts in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.” Pslam32:10 Those who trust in anything but the Lord will fall into trusting the enemy and sorrows will follow.

“In you, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.” Psalm 71:1 Our Creator is not a God of confusion but leads us and guides us into righteousness.

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8 We must remember that as Adam fell from the graces of God out of disobedience we too have that nature, a sinful nature and only through the salvation provided by the blood of Christ on the cross can we overcome that nature.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts, His ways higher than ours. Isaiah 55:9 I made a lot of stupid decisions before I trusted in the Lord.

“Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on God: because he trusts in God. Trust in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4 PERFECT PEACE

Unfortunately I have experienced lots of rotten fruit and probably more than good fruit. However I see God’s good fruit in others more and more in these last days. The Bible tells us “I will pour out my Spirit in the last days.” I’m so thankful I can see it happening. I see more people caring for others more than themselves, I see more loving their neighbor as they love their selves, I see more integrity and I believe it’s a great out pouring of His Spirit. The evening news concentrates on the rotten fruit and capitalizes on it, but keep your eyes open and you will see the goodness of God. The good part about seeing the rotten fruit is being aware of what is around us and shows us who we can’t put any confidence in at all. We all need to believe and trust in the Lord. I am very careful what and who I can put any amount of confidence in. I can still love everyone just not trust everyone.

So if there is anything to take from this article today I pray it is Where to put your trust. John 3:16 which most people know as “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not parish, but have everlasting life.” “The Lord is not slack concerning his promises, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

The Lord does not want anyone to perish so Trust only in the Lord…That is His message to you today.