Misplaced trust ∙∙

Misplaced trust ∙∙

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people. –  Psalms 118:8

Proverbs 3:5-8

 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

Interpersonal trust refers to one person’s belief or confidence in another person’s reliability, honesty, and ability to act in their best interest. It involves feeling safe and secure in a relationship and being willing to be vulnerable with the other person. It is at its lowest in nearly 50 years (Week Magazine). Are people less trustworthy than they used to be?

Many have been hurt and damaged by trusting in people and their promises. Friends leave friends in a lurch; mates disappoint, then some scammers and thieves are cunning and intentionally deceptive. It happens all too often. It becomes very personal when it happens to us, our family, or our friends.

Are we too trusting, even gullible? Do we lack discernment? Or is it simply a matter of misplaced trust?

Building and maintaining trust is a two-way street, and both parties must work to develop and maintain it. When our trust is broken, it can elicit a range of emotions, from disappointment and despair to anger, vehement fury, and a desire for revenge.

When all the dust settles, the open secret is that we often become less trusting. We shrink back behind imaginary moats and walls. Instead of truly learning from our mistakes and going forward, we are diminished. This loss of trust is not immediately visible, but it can be quite costly. We may avoid seeking advice from old friends or making new connections. It’s easy to feel that missed opportunities are lost forever. We get stuck in the doldrums of “What might have been.” There must be a better way!

Psalms 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people.

Fallen people living in a fallen world will always have disappointments. Trust itself is not the problem. The Father built a natural desire, even need, to trust in people. He gave each of us a “truster.”

Seek refuge in the Father and allow Him to bring new friends into your life.

REFLECT & PRAY

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom (Proverbs 3:5).

Father broken trust, dashed hope, and betrayal grievously hurt. Encourage my heart and restore my “truster.” Thank You for being there for me, always faithful.

INSIGHT

How can we rebuild trust? The answer can be discerned in the Scriptures. There were many times in the history of Israel when the people failed to trust in the Father. Their lack of faith and confidence stemmed from their flawed understanding of the Father’s heart and motivations. They felt unloved and believed that He did not cherish them.

Psalms 78:22 They did not believe God or trust him to care for them.

When we do not believe or think that someone really cares for us and has our best interest at heart, our “truster” deactivates and simply shuts down.

So when it comes to the Father, each child of the King has a question they must answer. What do we believe about the Father’s heart? Is He caring? Is He loving? Does He joyfully pursue after those in need and come alongside them to help?

These questions may seem flippant or even impertinent. But when we search within, we find them lurking. The Scriptures answer all these queries with resounding affirmation.

Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Psalms 11:1 I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!

Tear down the wall. Drain the moat. Then we can sing David’s song. Our loving Father is seeking His sheep.

Psalms 40:3 He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.

David had spent years as a hunted man on the run. He was fleeing from Saul and other enemies. But in good time, at the right time determined by the Father, the Father rescued David from all of the dangers he had faced.

David invites all who wish to be amazed and delighted to see what the Father has done for him to come. He encourages us to sing a new song to the Father (Psalms 33:3, Psalms 96:1, Psalms 98:1).

Psalms 98:1 Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!

The One who rescues us from our trials not only grants us deliverance but also gifts us a fresh melody to offer unto Him. Our newfound song praises the Father for His unfailing, invigorating, delightful, gracious lovingkindness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 

 22 The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease.

 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

What a privilege to sing new songs repeatedly throughout our lives because the Father is always working, and we are His precious children, children of the King. He is there for us. His divine mercies are limitless.

He is always faithful – Semper Fidelis. 

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© Dr. H 2023