7/2/13 Scripture Reflections - Twofold Trust

The Word

Psalms 55:22-23

22 Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken.
23 But you, God, will bring down the wicked
    into the pit of decay;
the bloodthirsty and deceitful
    will not live out half their days.

But as for me, I trust in you.

Background

Psalms 55 is titled "Cast Your Burden on Lord".

Thoughts

After reading Psalms 55, I’m certainly called to trust God. God is great, so concerned with our personal affairs that he “will save me” (v. 16) and “redeems my soul” (v. 17), yet so pure that even speech “smooth as butter” will offend him. However, the Psalmist actually calls us to trust two things: first, that God can carry our burdens, and second, that the world can’t. Notice the future tense in verse 23: God has not yet cast “down” the Psalmist’s enemies, nor has He ended their lives. Imagine the faith the Psalmist must’ve had to believe in these things; it was trust in the fact that the ways of this world lead to destruction. As a North American Christian, I am blessed with just the opportunity to praise God for his trustworthiness. But does my praise come out of desperate dependence, knowing that I simply have no other choice?

Questions

What things other than God am I currently placing my trust in?

Regarding Sabbath, do I believe that God can use this sacrificed time for his glory? When I forgo my Sabbath, as is inevitable, do I do so lightly? Do I believe that my usage of time will yield more fruit that God’s usage of time?

When is the last time I’ve clung to God as my one and only source of strength? When is the last time he has put me through the crucible?

Food for Thought

Matthew 6:19-24

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light.23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Romans 12:2

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Psalms 51:11-12
¹¹ Cast me not away from your presence,
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit. 

Prayer

Dear God,

I confess that the world entices me. Riches, reputation, revelry tempt me every way I turn. Satan leads me astray, and all too often, I find that my trust is in these things, rather than in you. Humble me daily, convincing me that these idols will ultimately fail. Provide me the strength just to look to you for strength. You are worthy of our trust, you have done for us far more than we could possibly imagine. You have shown us your perfect love through your creation of the world and your son’s death on the cross. I pray that we realize that all things points back to you*, and without you, life loses its meaning. I pray that you be at the center of my thoughts each day, that I would trust you to guide me through any and every situation. It is only by your strength that I can unlearn my old habits and depend on you. Challenges will arise, as they inevitably do, so continually remind my stubborn heart that I am called to cast my burdens on you.

In Jesus’ name, I pray,

Amen