Isaiah 26:2-4

The word, ‘Trust’ means, “A firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.  To help to understand the meaning, some synonyms are, confidence, belief, faith, freedom from suspicion or doubt, sureness, certainty, certitude, assurance, conviction, credence, and reliance.  I wonder, is there anyone in your life that you trust to this degree?  Because if it is another human being that you have this kind of trust – certainty and assurance, it is a scary road to travel.  I have yet to find a human that can completely be ‘trusted.’  The reason is only because they are human.  And, humans sin.

This is disappointing news, right?  All of us want someone that we can completely trust!  We all want to be able to pour our heart and soul out to someone we trust.  We all want someone that we know we can lean on when times get hard – always trusting that they will be there when we need them.  We want to trust that some special someone who will have our backs.  We want to trust our coworkers, our bosses, our spouses, and our friends.  We want to trust our government, our president, and our governors.  But I will tell you, it is a lot to put on someone.  We are human.  Temptation, the desire to do what is best for one’s own sake, and the lack of strength that it takes to live up to that trust – can be and will be, almost impossible. 

In Isaiah 26:2-4, the prophet says, “Open the gates, so that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.  Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.”

I have read this this text in Isaiah over-and-over again.  Because I do not know about you, but more than anything, I want peace.  To put TRUST into someone or something is not easy, especially if you have been hurt by someone you trusted.  But there is one thing that I know for sure – (and believe me, I have read God’s Word – inside out and upside down) – there is nowhere in that Book where God has not kept His promises. 

During these difficult days of CoVid-19, it is so easy to get discouraged.  It is difficult to see the big picture and wonder what God could possibly be up to.  And, maybe it is not just the Coronavirus that you are concerned and worried about – but the stress of your job, the loss of a loved one, or a loved one in the hospital or nursing home.  My aunt is currently in a nursing home and my uncle is not allowed to go see her.  His heart is broken.  I have friends who have lost their job – some worried how much longer they will get to keep their job.  And, those who are facing homelessness are hungry and wander on the streets.  Trust is a very difficult thing right now.

Trust.  Isn’t it true then that when it comes down to it, the only One we can trust is our Lord and Savior?  Think about this for a minute…Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane – sweating blood and asking God to take this cup from Him.  But God gave up His one and only Son – He did the one thing that He promised to do – to end death once and for all.  He did it so that we could trust Him.  And, through that trust, we have peace. 

I want that peace.  Peace in knowing that I can trust God to take care of me.  A kind of peace that only God can give.  A peace knowing that God’s got me – that my future is safe and secure, no matter what happens today or tomorrow.  God doesn’t put His own needs before others – but God puts our needs first and foremost.  God doesn’t need the strength for us to trust Him – but instead God gives us the strength to put our trust in Him. 

These days before us are hard.  We don’t know what tomorrow will bring.  But “Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace – Lord – In peace because they trust you.” 

Let us pray…Jesus, Son of God, Almighty and Merciful, full of grace and wonder – We want peace.  We want the peace that only you can give.  Help us to trust you – believe in you – and have faith in you.  Our future – our tomorrow – is safe and sound in your loving arms.  In this, we have peace.  Amen.