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Trust
January 28, 2008 By Theresa Huff Trust--a small five-letter word that can pack a huge
wallop! The dictionary describes it as "reliance on the integrity,
strength, ability, surety of a person or thing; confidence.” Another
version describes it as "a person on whom or thing on which one
relies." Everyone wants to feel like they can trust the others around them. Many times we trust a person that we think is a "close friend," only to find we should have had them sign a promissory agreement to keep their mouth shut before opening our hearts to them. What about the co-worker that you have helped frequently? You find they are not the friend you expected, but turn out to be a backstabber and talk bad about you when you are not around. It doesn't feel good to be on the receiving end of such actions. Then there are the friends that you have respected and looked up to because of their Christian walk. You find they can fail you, too! How disappointing!
You have to forcefully make yourself stop and think, “What do I do in this situation?” Do you get upset and "give them a piece of your mind"? That might not be the best thing to do since many of us don't have enough of a mind to share! Do you think, "What can I do to even the score?" and immediately start planning for paybacks, or do you think, "Consider the source," smile and go on like nothing happened at all? You don't want to give them the satisfaction of knowing how hurt I feel. It seems that you can't find the right answer for any of the situations.
First, ask yourself what kind of friend you have been? Do any of these situations fit you? Are you a trusted friend or have you ever "slipped up" and repeated something without thinking of the consequences or the promise you made to your friend that your lips were sealed? When you think of "getting even," do you smile and start planning for sweet revenge, or do you feel ashamed for even thinking such a thought? Do you try to convince yourself that you are "just human"? If you let them know they have gotten to you, you have lost the war!
The wise man said, "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). Jesus is always there to lend an ear and to ease our hurts. He is a friend that can be trusted. More wise advice: "When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him" (Proverbs 16:7). You think that can never happen, but Jesus is a miracle worker! Finally, remember to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). You will never find a more perfect example!
With that kind of trusted friend and that kind of assurance, what do we have to dread or fear? Jesus was there through it all. His integrity, strength or ability never fails, nor is it ever compromised. Trust Him! © 2008, Theresa Huff ---------
Theresa Huff lives in Bryan, Texas with husband, Glen, and daughter, Melody. She also has a son, Jonathan, who lives in San Antonio. |
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