Where is Your Trust?

I find it interesting that the phrase ‘In God we trust’ is printed on the US currency as a result of the 84th Congress of the US in 1955-57. Former President Ronald Reagan said, “Our National Motto, ‘In God We Trust’, was not chosen lightly. It reflects a basic recognition that there is a divine authority in the universe to which this nation owes homage.” What does that mean to those who are facing the crises of our current age, whether it be elections or health issues?

Worldwide, the effects of the coronavirus are bringing about death, deprivation, lockdown, and loss of friends, family, finance and jobs. What a challenge for those who believe in Father God to maintain their trust in Him! In Psalm 56, David, in a time of extreme danger and almost despair, found the strength to declare, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid”, and he repeated it three times in this psalm (see 1 Samuel 21 for the story). Although there was no miraculous intervention to help David, he had solid faith in God’s care and support, and that countered his fears. God did deliver him, but there was still more trouble ahead from King Saul. David’s trust in God, however, didn’t fail.

In our experience of crisis and trauma, it is good to remind ourselves in whom we trust. Is it ourselves, chance, other people or God? The first three will let us down, but God won’t. So, don’t be afraid, decide to trust in God. As the chorus of Stuart Townend’s song from Psalm 23 says, ‘I will trust I will trust in you’.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You are utterly trustworthy. That is Your nature. Thank You that, in times of crisis and difficulty, we don’t need to be afraid, but can look to You for strength and assurance. Please increase our trust, and may we be an encouragement to others who are afraid, as we trust in You. Amen.