GREATER THAN (A STUDY IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS) WEEK 14 - SECURING HOPE, WEEK 2

One of the greatest problems we face today is a loss of trust. It used to be that in the past a man’s word was a sacred bond. Contracts would be signed with a handshake and one’s word. There was little need for lawyers or documents. If a person promised to do something, their honor depended upon them following through with their pledge.

Not so much today. Today we have grown cynical and question everyone’s motives. You can’t trust the media, or the government, or corporations, or the educational system, or even pastors! At least, that’s where our cynicism has led us to believe. And no wonder - because scandals and lies and crime happens in so many arenas of our world today.

And you know where this cynicism lands us? With the inability to trust anyone but ourselves! The only one I can really trust is ME. And when THAT happens for too many people, we see the damage that is done to what was used to be known as community. It’s bad. And for many, there seems to be no answer…

In the midst of this cynicism there IS a clear voice that cuts through for those who have come to believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior:

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart..” (Psalm 37:3-4)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Throughout our sacred Scriptures there is this voice that tells us we can trust God… But sometimes I wonder if our cynicism has spilled over into our relationship with God. I have seen people who have been burned by so many systems be EXTREMELY cautious when it comes to putting their trust in ANYTHING outside of themselves — EVEN GOD.