Trust - A New Year's Resolution
Doesn't it seem that it's practically impossible to turn on the news, read a paper, or surf the internet without seeing headlines that blare, "We've Got Trouble." I remember vividly the 1960's American television series Lost in Space when the Robot, acting as a surrogate guardian, would wave it's arms and say to the young actor, "WARNING! WARNING! DANGER WILL ROBINSON." whenever it sensed a problem. Some days, it feels like the Robot is following us every waking moment to remind us of all the problems we face in our lives.
I'm sure each of us handles this bombardment of negative news in different ways. I have a very good friend who gives the impression that he is looking for a concrete bunker to hide in. You can hear the frustration and panic in his voice when we have everyday conversations.
For me, I typically try to take control - particularly when it comes to economic and financial matters. It's as though I tell God, "Please stand by. I'll call you if I'm really in a crisis, but I'll manage this situation." However, when I examine my motive behind wanting control the situation, it really speaks to the fear I have that things won't turn out how I want.
Paul writes in the book of Romans, "...Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
Whenever we fret over life circumstances, aren't we immediately demonstrating our unbelief in a God who spoke the heavens into existence and who also numbers the hairs on our heads? For years, I would read the story of Peter denying Christ to the servant girl and wonder how Peter could reject him so quickly and publicly. However, when we live our life out of fear or anxiety, don't we call into doubt the very nature of God? Just as Peter did; don't we publicly deny Him by our lack of trust?
Each day our actions affirm or convict our belief systems. It reveals who the central focus of our lives really is - us or God. It reveals who we place our ultimate trust in - ourselves or God.
As the New Year dawns upon us, it's often customary to make a New Year's resolution. Usually they're resolutions about losing weight, exercising more, quitting smoking, or other sundry changes. We usually desire to make improvement that help make us a better person.
How about making a resolution to be a stronger believer? In the book of Mark the father of a young boy asked Jesus "...'But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.' 'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes.' Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'"
Rather than, or in addition to the typical News Year's resolution, why don't we also ask Jesus to "help us in our unbelief?" While the world wants us to worry and fret, we must remember that we serve a sovereign God who is in control!
