In the Bible, there is no question that God is the object of trust and worthy of trust. The Psalmist exclaims: “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10) Isaiah confesses: "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2) The Psalmist also recognizes: “The works of (God’s) hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.” (Psalm 111:7)

Those “who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord,” are blessed according to Jeremiah 16:7. He then compares them to a tree planted near water, which bears fruit even during times of drought. After repeated attempts to destroy Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the blazing furnace, Nebuchadnezzar has to admit that their God “sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him.” (Daniel 3:28) The religious leaders taunt and mock Jesus on the cross when they cry out: “He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God’s Son’ ” (Matt. 27:43) Jesus trusted. God delivered.

Many heroes of the Old Testament built their reputations on trust in the Lord. At God’s request, Abraham travels with his only son to a mountain to offer him up as a burnt offering. In the last second, God calls it off and Abraham sacrifices a ram caught in the thicket instead. He then called the place, “The Lord will provide.” Elijah in his contest with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel trusted that the God of Abraham would answer him and “let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your bidding.” (I Kings 18:36) God responded by sending an all-consuming fire that left no doubts in the minds of the people.

In placing our trust in the One who is most trustworthy, we in turn are in a position to reflect trust. We find strength in the fact that God demonstrated the ultimate in trust when He sacrificed His only Son on our behalf. God delivered so that we might be delivered. God trusted so that we might become trustworthy. Through the Spirit, we are connected to Christ and grounded in God the Father, our source of comfort and hope. We take to heart the words of the Psalmist: “Trust in the Lord, and do good.” (Psalm 37:3) In other words, be trustworthy.

Here are some ways to practice trustworthiness:

1. Trust in God. Look to the Lord for your strength and confidence. Follow God’s lead.
2. Promise only what you can deliver. Reflect before you agree.
3. Model trustworthiness. Demonstrate to people, especially your children, that you are dependable, reliable and responsible.
4. Select a hero who is trustworthy. Learn from someone who reflects the qualities you are seeking to emulate.
5. Compliment those you trust. Let people know that you trust them and value the fact that they are trustworthy.
6. Discuss with your family: “What have you done to generate trust today?”
   

Affirmation: I am trustworthy