Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:1-8
Memory Verse: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17
Introduction:
If we can’t trust ourselves or our own plans, who can we trust? Is God able to be trusted in planning your life? Webster says, “Trust is an assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or on something future or contingent” (Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary. G. & G. Merriam Co.; Springfield, MA; 1967, p. 2). I am sure we all have had good and bad experiences when we’ve been placed in a position to trust someone else. The outcome reflected our opinion of the person’s character.
Our coins say, “In God We Trust,” but one wonders how many have the same expression coined upon their hearts. It appears we trust God in very tight spots but what about for every plan for our lives? However, putting our total trust in God is quite a challenge. “Into the communion of participation of Christ, in the graces of His spirit and the glories of His future kingdom. God will continue to uphold and save you if you entrust your bodies and souls to Him. But can it be said that God will keep what is either not entrusted to Him or, after being entrusted, is taken away?” (Adam Clark’s Commentary. Baker Book House; Grand Rapids, MI; Abridged by Ralph Earle; 1967, p. 1088).
The idea of God making plans for our entire lives seems to be going a bit too far. What if He lets us down or plans something hard or difficult? We find many examples in the Bible where man put his total trust in God and was blessed for doing so. This is only possible when we see (often with our hearts) that God can be trusted unconditionally.
Also, do we maintain patience in the midst of troubles? We as God’s people can have such patience because we can be assured that our eternal reward will abundantly surpass any of the temporary troubles we may encounter. When the wicked seem to prosper we are still called to patience. By doing this we will gain a new sense of pleasure in knowing God. We are to trust, and depend on Him!
Study Questions:
- How does God feel about entrusting something to someone? Leviticus 6:2-7.
- What did God promise Noah and what was the result? Genesis 6:13-7:1, 6; Genesis 8:1-5.
- Have you ever trusted others only to have them disappoint you? Matthew 26:36-40, 43-49, 69-75.
- What are we expected to do according to these scriptures? Psalm 37:1-5; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10.
- What is the basis for such a trust? Numbers 23:19; James 1:16-18; Romans 8:31-39.
- Why is God qualified to plan our lives? Genesis 1:26-28; Romans 9:14-24.
- Can you relate an experience where you put your total trust in God? What was the outcome?
Note: Jesus did not go reluctantly, but with determination to do the Father’s will. - Why is it better to trust in God instead of man, or self? Psalm 118:8-9; Psalm 146:1-10.
- What is the ultimate result from trusting God? Jeremiah 17:7-8; 1 Timothy 4:9-11.
- How far and whom do you trust to direct, that is, to plan your life? 2 Timothy 1:12.