Daily Journal: 29 July

Can God Trust Me?

When I do not trust someone, it is either because trust has never been established, or my framework for that relationship has been fractured, or broken.

When that happens, I can set up a new framework with brick walls and layers of concrete. It is my attempt at self-protection. It is my attempt at preventing further hurt. But is this the way God wants me to manage? I know it's not, because that doesn't allow me to grow. Growth requires different reactions, and the freedom grace brings.

At some point in life, I have to think through realistic expectations for relationships. Different relationships require different expectations and different boundaries. Healthy relationships have healthy boundaries with healthy respect. This not only safeguards and heals my soul, but steers me towards constructive relationships.

Proverbs 4:23 (NASB)

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.

From my heart comes my thoughts. My feelings and my thoughts are part of one whole. But I can't only consider myself in order to become whole. What do my feelings and my thoughts first frame themselves around? As a Christian, it is God. God is my framework. So, I need to see God as He really is in order for me to become whole.

I need to deconstruct the experiences I’ve had with other people and set them apart from God. He has never fractured or broken his relationship with me.

I want to build a relationship with God that is based on true expectations concerning His nature. Expectations that assure me He is for me. He is with me through all situations. He has never left or forsaken me. He has set His seal of ownership on me, established me and authenticated me in His name. He values me and cares so much about me that He goes before me and behind me, setting up a shield around me; He directs my feet. He watches over me and, in fact, never sleeps, but is always interceding with the Father on my behalf.

The quality of my assurance in God will reproduce a quality of excellent trust and a confidence in life that is unparalleled.

That being so, is that trust reciprocal?

Can God trust me?

In order to become whole based on framing my soul (heart/feelings and mind/thoughts) on God because I am made in His image, can He trust me never to point the finger at Him when things are tough, never accuse Him of letting me down, never demand something of Him? Can He trust me to remain steadfast, bringing my prayers and petitions to Him, with thanksgiving, and trusting Him to work things out according to His will and goodness for my life (Philippians 4)?

My framework is all-important.

Because of His nature, I remain stable, assured in His goodness towards me, convinced of His sovereignty.

Having a correct view of God helps me to be trustworthy and remain assured and steadfast.

Proverbs 3:1-6 (AMP)

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life [worth living] and tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you. Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; bind them [securely] around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favour and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

Do you know with all your heart and soul that God has never let you down, and never forsaken you? Can you say you trust Him? Are you able to say He can trust you?

Lord God, I know you are faithful in all your ways. Help us to know we can trust you in all situations, and to develop a relationship with you in which you can trust us too.