Every one of us trusts in something or someone. This morning I want to talk about 'trust'. The word as used in Scripture means to be confident, to be sure, to be bold, and to be secure. Now that in itself tells us quite a bit about this whole concept of 'trust'. It has to do with what or who we 'trust in'. So let me narrow the focus just a bit and say I want us to consider the concept of trusting in the Lord.
(Psa 118:8) "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
I want to take a few moments this morning and remind you of this fact. In doing so, I want to answer the question, "When is the best time to trust the Lord?"
I. In times of Weakness…Trust Him for Strength
(Isa 26:4) "Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:"
(2 Cor 12:9) "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
(Isa 41:10) "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
A. We all have periods of time when we feel very weak…very vulnerable.
B. This is the time when we need to trust Him.
C. The apostle Paul wrote that when he was at his weakest point, that is when he was strongest…because then he trusted upon the Lord to get him through.
D. Are you weak this morning?
1. Do you feel that you just can't make it on your own?
2. Trust in the Lord…He will give you strength.
3. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
II. In Times When We Are Unsure of Our Way… Trust Him for Direction
(Psa 37:3-5) "Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. {4} Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. {5} Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."
A. The example of Israel as they left Egypt.
1. God had a plan for them, even if they didn't know what it was.
2. He promised to guide them each step of the way.
3. That same promise is made available to us today.
B. Life with God is an exciting journey.
1. We never know what may come our way…
2. But we can be assured that He will be there to guide and direct us.
3. If we will commit our ways to Him, He has promised that He would direct our paths.
(Prov 3:5-6) "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. {6} In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
C. When it seems darkest, that is when we should trust Him.
(Psa 119:105) "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
(Isa 50:10) "Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God."
III. In Times When We Don't Understand…Trust His Loving Care
(Prov 3:5) "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
(Rom 8:28) "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
(Job 13:15) "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him."
A. It is when things just don't make sense to us that it is hardest for us to trust Him.
B. We want to be able to figure everything out, and then trust Him…but that isn't trust.
C. He tells us that His ways are not our ways and that His thoughts are above our thoughts.
D. That means we cannot figure out what God is doing all the time.
E. And when we don't understand…that is when we must trust Him the most.
When is it time to Trust the Lord?
(Psa 62:8) "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."
Before we can have confidence in God, before we can trust Him at all times, we must have a personal relationship with Him. We must first trust Him for salvation.
(Isa 12:2) "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."
Have you placed your faith and trust in God for salvation? If not, I want to encourage you this morning to come to Christ in faith. Trust Him today, before it is too late. He will save you, and He will keep you for all of eternity. It is not our trust that keeps us, but the God in whom we trust Who keeps us…trust Him today.