Trust in the Lord

Submitted by Jim Garner

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:3-5
If you are like me, I bet you are grateful for the people you have had in your life that have always seemed to “have your back”.  Maybe one of these examples jogs your memory and reminds you of the blessing you have received by knowing that person:

*A friend who protected you from the bully at school

*A classmate who tutored you through some difficult classes

*A boss who gave you a second chance

*A friend who loaned you money during a difficult time for your family

*A coach who believed in you when you didn’t even see talent in yourself

We all need these kind of people in our lives. In the same way, we all need to be these kinds of people for others in our lives. However, we need to remember that inevitably we are going to fail or be failed along the way no matter the circumstances or the quality people surrounding us. It might not be intentional but it is bound to happen because that is life. There are challenges we will face in life that go way beyond the support, abilities, or resources that can be offered even by those with the best intentions. We need help in life and when we face the question “who has my back now?” where will we turn?

The psalmist gives us a clear reminder to the one that we must respond to in chapter 37, verses 3-5. Friends are great – past and present. For the truest of friends even the distance of miles and time can’t separate a brotherhood or sisterhood. But these friends, no matter how loyal or special, can never stand up or stand in for you like the Lord mentioned here in this passage. The psalmist reveals to us three active ways we should put our hope in Him. What are they?

First, we are to TRUST in the Lord. Trust can be expressed in different ways. It can be a calm assurance or relaxed confidence when going through a trial. It can also be an active faith that requires stepping out or up to face a challenging situation. It can be demonstrated both in private or public. But the key is in WHO you put your trust. There are lots of people worshipping false gods all over the worlds saying they have lots of trust or faith. But it is in the wrong things. We must put our trust in the Lord our God, obviously not in a false religion or even a person, ability, or resource as the world offers like education or money.

Second, we are to DELIGHT in the Lord. Delight is such a great word here. It is so expressive and hopeful. I can’t help but think of a favorite food or activity I enjoy that we would do just about anything for to enjoy again and again. But also notice this step of active faith comes with a promise. Once we “delight” in Him, we should know (and have full confirmation from the word of God) that He will give us the desires of our heart. What a blessing and promise!

And finally third, we are to COMMIT our way to the Lord. There are lots of people today making lots of commitments in life, but unfortunately they are to the wrong things. It might be education, sports, fame, technology, or material resources. These can be good things in life. However, they are not the best and will not last. The psalmist reminds us of this great promise. If we will commit to and trust Him then He will act in our favor or on our behalf.

That’s good stuff! Trust, delight, and commit. I can trust God because He has been there for me in the past. I delight in Him now because He is there not only walking beside me but carrying me when I need it (even when I may not realize it). And finally, I commit my future to Him because I know He has my best interest in mind (along with His purpose) and I can trust in Him no matter whatever might come my way.