In this life with all of its twists and turns, the word “trust” is a word we use often. But just exactly what does that word mean when we are up against impossible choices or heartbreaking circumstances? The darkness is so thick and smothering, we question whether we will survive the pain, and if we are honest, we are not sure if we want to. We sometimes blindly say the words, “Trust God.” We can quote all the Bible verses on the subject, but when life throws us a curve, that word falls short. We are left reeling with questions and may even feel abandoned by the one we are supposed to trust. We are certain God has left us to figure things out on our own. Our humanity cries out for answers, and the divine purpose is swallowed up in our pain.
As we begin a new year, what does trust look like to you? All of us have traveled different journeys with our own set of difficulties. We all face those defining moments when we either give up or dig in and hold on for dear life. We all have asked God, “Why? What is the purpose? Where are you?” Our prayers seem to fall on deaf ears, and the enemy dances for joy as our faith begins to waiver. But with a new year comes new resolve to go deeper and to trust more.
Take courage, my friend. Trust is rarely a neatly wrapped package we offer to God. Sometimes trust just isn’t pretty. It is full of flaws and imperfections. Sometimes it is a resolve to just know by faith that God is in control, when our hearts and our feelings scream the opposite. I always find tremendous courage in a passage of scripture in Mark 9: 17-27. A man brought his demon possessed son to Jesus to