Trust Meনমুনা

God, The Promise Keeper

Read: "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise" (Hebrews 10:23).

Think: "Read my lips: NO NEW TAXES!" You may remember this promise from a presidential candidate some years ago. Arguably, it propelled him to the presidency, but during his presidency, he signed into law a significant tax increase. He broke his promise. However, it is not just politicians who fail to live up to their word. We do similar things. "I promise I'll be home by 6:00!" but 6:30 rolls around, and we are still out. Or how about, "Let's figure out a time to get coffee together,” with no intention of ever planning such an outing. Our words have become cheap. Take a look around; half of us break our marriage vows, calling it quits even when we said "til death do us part." We, like politicians, are promise breakers.

As a result, many of us have trust issues. We've been on the wrong end of one too many broken promises. We are tired of getting our hopes up, only to be crushed when they are let down. Advertisements promise us happiness. Get-rich-quick schemes promise us wealth. Social media promises us connection. But often, when our heads hit the pillow, we are left wondering when these promises will be fulfilled. Is there any promise maker that we can fully trust? Turns out there is.

God is someone in whom we can fully trust. He is the only one that remains faithful to 100% of His promises. When He promises to give life and give it in abundance (John 10:10), He will surely do it. When He promises to give us rest from the burdens of life (Matthew 11:28), He will not come up short. When He promises to save us from sin (Matthew 1:21), it will not be partial. He is the most trustworthy promise keeper to ever exist. He never fails to keep His word. Let us hold fast to the hope we have in Him.

Apply: Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God? With finances? In relationships? In the lives of your kids? Remind yourself of the promises that God has given you and of His faithfulness to see them through. Cement these things in your mind so they are ready and accessible to encourage and comfort in more challenging times of life.

Pray: Trustworthy God, thank you for being faithful to your promises. Help me cling to them with confidence, trusting that what you say, you will surely do. Amen.

(Joe Lab is the pastor at Hershey Mennonite Church  in Kinzers. He has been married to Kate since 2013. They live in Intercourse, PA with their two wonderful kids.)