I heard it once said that “trust takes years to build, seconds to break and a life time to repair.” I know that’s true by experience. I’ve lost trust in others and I’ve caused others to lose trust in me. It may be a part of life, but it never get’s any easier. Over time I have learned to put my trust in Jesus alone and leave all others to Him as well. It’s not easy, but it has been the most profitable lesson I have ever learned.
In Psalm 2 I find the acronym T.R.U.S.T. in the words of the Psalmist.
T = THANK God that he will accomplish His purposes in us
Psalm 2:1-12 KJV
[1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? [2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, [3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
In days of uncertainty I am ever so Thankful that regardless of what craziness is going on in the world, I can trust that God will accomplish His purposes in me – as well as in, through, or around the craziness. Elections don’t always go in our favor, and leaders don’t always make decisions the way we’d desire. It appears that there are so many evil things to overcome. This fact has occurred from the beginning of the ages in the leadership that even God sat on the throne. There were people that did not care that God sat those leaders in their positions and worked against even God Himself thinking that they’d win. And there were battles they did win. But just as it will be in our lives, God will win the final war and this is where our trust and gratitude can give us daily peace in our hearts regardless of the circumstances in our life and world.
R = RECEIVE the revelation that leads to Relationship
[4] He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. [5] Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. [6] Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. [7] I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
As a new Christian, it took me the longest time to grow past my human nature to feel deep sorrow for the people who suffered God’s wrath. My tender heart wanted God to forgive them and make everything better. After all, He was God, He could have done it. But growing in the grace of God, and realizing how much God forgave me of when I received what He did for me, helped me to appreciate His Holiness and sovereign decisions. God knew the hearts of His enemies; and their arrogance in the face of His Son’s sacrifice gave Him every right to react as He did. The problem with myself and so many others is our relationship with Jesus isn’t as Holy as it should be. Jesus is our friend, but He is also a Holy God. We live our lives as if He is our “buddy” that tolerates and overlooks all our immoral behaviors. But the closer we get to God through reading His word and walking with Him, our relationship becomes more about disappointing the Savior.
U = UNDERSTAND. Understanding leads to our taking action
[8] Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
It never ceases to amaze me that even in these Old Testament Psalms, God’s thoughts were on us. The “heathen” that God refers to Christ asking for in verse 8 is the Gentiles… that’s us!
Commentary says “Christ, in the council and covenant of grace and peace, asked many things of his Father, which were granted; he asked for the persons of all the elect to be his bride and spouse, and his heart’s desire was given him, and the request of his lips was not withheld from him: he asked for all the blessings of grace for them; for spiritual life here, and eternal life hereafter; and all were given him, and put into his hands for them, Psalm 20:2; and here it is promised him.
The understanding that God’s plan for us has been in place since the beginning, means that we too are apart of this plan. He didn’t create us to play games until His return. He calls us to trust the process and become do our part. In that trust we’ll be blessed. That gives us His wonderful peace!
S = SEEK. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we need to seek direction for our daily walk with Christ
[9] Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. [10] Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
Verse 9 is no speaking of his inheritance and possession among the Gentiles, the chosen ones given him by the Father. Jesus delights in His children, He takes care of, protects, and preserves them. But this referees to the stubborn and rebellious ones among the heathen who will not allow Him to reign over them; who treat Him with contempt, reject his government, disobey his Gospel, and despise his commands; towards these Christ will use his power and break them in pieces. The heathens of this world will one day face God’s wrath, but the children of God who do their best to walk in His footsteps daily will one day receive the eternal reward for His effort. But there is a present reward, which is having the knowledge of Christ within ourselves to strengthen our minds and souls and remove the stresses the world can put on us. Oh! How this makes my heart happy!!!
T = TRANSFORM, move forward, and press toward the call of God in Christ Jesus
[11] Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. [12] Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Our learning to trust in Christ, transforms us (slowly but surely) into the servants of God we should be. Showing God reverence for the Holy One He is gains us favor and grace in His presence. It’s not that we (or at least I) am not going to make mistakes every day of my life. I get so frustrated in how very weak I am to fight off the enemy. I do serve the Lord with fear, because I know were it not for the way He protects me, I would be beaten to a pulp by the enemy. But in His strength and Spirit I can face the enemy and continue to serve God knowing that He is going before in this battle. I assure you I have never been warrior material. But when God’s Spirit stirs inside me I can be a warrior and so can you.
It’s been said that we’re not on the love boat, we’re on the battle ship. We are at war against the evils that fill this world and desire to steal our children’s souls. We have to trust God and join Him in the battle to bring our friends and family to the knowledge of Christ Jesus.
2025 is three days away… suit up Christians!