SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1403

“Blessed Man”

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. – Jeremiah 17:7

Do you trust God? Most of us will answer this question in the affirmative, ‘Of course, I trust God!’ In reading our reference Scripture, I often pondered what the significance is between trust in the Lord and trust is the Lord.

The Lord provided an object lesson to clarify that point for me this week.

My business requires me to work outdoors, and I always seek the Lord’s favor and pray for good weather, and He has consistently held off the rain until we have completed our work.

This week, the forecast was for thunderstorms and heavy rain for the entire day. Again, I prayed and asked the Lord to hold off the rain, for nothing is impossible with Him. We arrived on site with cloudy and threatening skies but no rain. I scurried about like a hyperactive squirrel working feverishly to accomplish my work to ‘beat the rain’. This was detrimental to me as I was neglecting to pause and remain hydrated. My wife admonished me, so I took a moment to rest and take a hydration break. It is in our stillness that we can hear from Him.

Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10

That is when the Lord spoke to my heart and asked me the question: ‘Do you trust Me?’

‘Yes, Lord, I trust You’, I replied in my thoughts.

The Lord replied, ‘Then why are you acting as if you do not trust Me? Have I not held off the rain repeatedly in answer to your prayers all year? Have I not held off the thunder, lightning, and rain for you today in answer to your prayer? You say that you trust in Me, but your behavior shows that your trust is in your ability to ‘beat the rain’.’

I repented of my actions and thanked the Lord for His Word of counsel. We finished our work in a calm and efficient manner and the Lord held off the rain for the entire time.

I came to realize that I trusted in the Lord enough to pray for good weather. But when it came down to it, I trusted more in my abilities to complete my work quickly. When one’s trust is the Lord, we act and behave in a manner of total abandonment to Him and relinquish our control.

There are three aspects to consider when our trust is the Lord.

A Focused and Singular Trust – Our trust is more than words. It is evident in our actions. We do not take control or seek other sources to place our trust in.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 62:5-6

A Complete and Steadfast Trust – When our trust is the Lord it is with an undivided heart. It is for all times and with all our heart. We are completely abandoned to trusting Him.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.  – Psalm 62:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

A Confident Trust – No matter how threatening the skies are or the circumstances that surround us, we remain confident in the Lord.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. – Psalm 27:3

For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught; And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. –   Proverbs 3:26; Psalm 9:10

May the Holy Spirit reveal to your heart and mind the Truth of His Word and show you how to not only trust in the Lord, but to also make Him your trust so that your trust is the Lord. For in this you and your family are truly blessed.

He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. – Jeremiah 17:8

Happy Father’s Day!