“Do I Trust God”

I read something in the Magnificat today that struck a cord with me ….. “ In a culture that values autonomy  and self-reliance, we sometimes imagine that we can only call on our own personal strength to shoulder the burden of those we care for and to face our own difficulties. .” (Magnificat: 5-6-21) To be honest that can be my attitude at times and it’s not good. 

In our heart of hearts, we know that we are often not up to the task. We don’t have enough strength to handle our problems. At the same time, I sometimes wonder is God absent… has he forgotten about me and my problems… is he distracted with more important issues. Jesus has made many promises to us…promises of help in times of need, of being there to save us in this life and at the hour of death. Will Christ come through? Can I trust God?

“The gospel reminds us again and again that God’s love is our true source of strength. On him the strongest person can lean without apology.” (Magnificat: 5-6-21) Truly we can trust God… Jesus I trust in you. Yet it can be difficult to trust the Lord. The  Catechism sheds some light on this dilemma. “ Man, tempted by the devil, let his trust in his Creator die in his heart and, abusing his freedom, disobeyed God’s command. This is what man’s first sin consisted of. All subsequent sin would be disobedience toward God and lack of trust in his goodness.” (CCC, par 397) “All subsequent sin has to do with lack of trust in his goodness”. 

When our trust in the Lord wanes, we begin to rely on our self… ” Gee, I better handle this myself”. It’s a recipe for disaster.  We can’t handle things on our own. We need Christ. Without the Lord, we are doomed. We must cry out to the Lord in our need.

Let’s face the facts. Our hope is in the Lord who made heaven and earth. He gave everything to save us from our sins and offer to us eternal life. He has conquered Satan, the father of lies. Christ is enough. He is worth of our trust. Let’s take time to read thru a few of his many promises and allow the truth to set us free. One of my all time favorites is from Psalm 37. 

“Fret not yourself because of the wicked, be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security.Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your vindication as the light, and your right as the noonday. Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over him who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! (Ps. 37:1-7)