In whom do we trust?

Big question that one.  Who do we trust?  Family?  Friends?  Someone we just met?  Someone we know well?  What makes us trust someone?  Well, let's think on that.  A trustworthy person is honest.  They treat others with respect, kindness, compassion.  They follow through with things they say they are going to do.  They might even see things that you need and provide them before you ask or even before you realize you need them.  They keep their promises.  They honor their commitments.  I'm sure you can think of a few more things to add to the list.

How often do we place our trust in someone, only to have it broken?  People lie, break promises, say things they don't really mean...build you up and then break you down.  Some people cheat or con others.  When someone tells you they will do something, and then they don't, you are disappointed or hurt.  What happens when this same scenario happens over and over?  Eventually, you give up on that person right?  You don't trust that they are going to do what they say.  It gets frustrating.  Might even hurt us, or make us angry.  When we realize we can't trust someone, it causes a breakdown in the essential parts of our relationship...like a tear in fabric.

Yes, in some cases, this breakdown can be fixed.  We can learn to trust again.  And in others, it causes a relationship to fall apart.  One thing we must remember, is that no matter how broken the trust, we must find it within ourselves to forgive.  I am not saying that we always have to fix a relationship...sometimes that just can't happen.  But for our own good, we must forgive.  What happens when we hold a grudge against someone for a long time?  We become bitter, our anger takes hold of us and creates all kinds of negative feelings and thoughts that fester within us.  It steals our joy and....it creates a space in our relationship with God, too.

Now, let's take a look at trusting God.  He NEVER lies.  He NEVER breaks a promise.  He NEVER leaves us alone.  He NEVER says one thing and does another.  He is always there, always. We can trust Him.  Just look at all He provides to the believers in the Bible...food, healing, hope, abundant lives. Does He not do the same for us?  Even when tragedy strikes, He can be counted on for peace, comfort, hope for the future.  When we are broken and beaten down, He is there to pick us up, brush us off, and help us back on our way.  When we are tired, He gives us strength to endure.  When we feel so alone it's hard to breathe, He is there to place a comforting arm around our shoulders and hold us close.

There are so many people in our lives.  Some we can trust, some we can't.  We can look to God for guidance on that.  And we can remember that no matter what happens in our human relationships...God is above all that and is truly trustworthy and faithful.  No matter what!