Dear Family and Friends,

One of our simple joys in life is carrying our grandkids. Especially when they start waving their arms, signaling for us to pick them up.

Why? Because when they reach up to us, we feel trusted and loved.

I imagine God feels the same way when we reach up to Him. Oh the joy He must feel.

But have you noticed that children mostly ask to be carried when they’re afraid of something or someone, or they’re too tired to walk, or when they want something?

And have you noticed that we sometimes act the same way with God?

Imagine how God would feel if we always wanted to be near Him, to trust Him with the entirety of our lives.

The scriptures tell us to “Trust in him at all times.”  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭62‬:‭8‬ NIV

I have room for improvement. Do you? I suspect we can all do better.

That said, let’s spend our time learning how to grow our trust in the Lord in all aspects of our lives.

People who study people generally say that trust is built on three pillars. That in order for us to trust someone, the person should be:

  • Relatable, meaning caring and supportive.
  • Knowledgeable and make sound judgments.
  • Consistent, meaning keeping one’s word.

We’re all familiar with Starbucks. Would you agree that from the outside, Starbucks seems like a healthy company?

Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks, shared the following after talking to thousands of young employees, many of whom are trying to unionize.

“I was shocked, stunned to hear the loneliness, the anxiety, the fracturing of trust in government, fracturing of trust in companies, fracturing of trust in families, the lack of hope in terms of opportunity.”

Do you feel like visiting the nearest Starbucks to tell the crew: Trust the only one who can be trusted – the Lord. “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭146‬:‭3‬ NIV

We all feel for them, but let’s get back on topic.

What caused their trust to fracture? One or more of the pillars of trust was likely missing.

So, can we learn from their experience? How can we strengthen our pillars of trust in the Lord?

First, strive towards a true relationship with Jesus. Get to know Jesus, read His words, talk with Him, share life’s downs and ups with Him.

Building a relationship with anyone takes time and effort. But look at what Jesus promises.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”  ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ NIV

Second, recognize that basing our life’s decisions on the ‘facts and opinions’ found on Google will only lead us astray.

Instead read, understand and make God’s word the foundation of life.

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”  Proverbs‬ ‭30‬:‭5‬ ESV

Third, understand that although our world is constantly changing, God is consistent. He never changes.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬ ESV

That said, would you like to grow your trust the Lord?

If you were to look in the rear view mirror of life, you will see a Lord who blessed you in more ways than you imagined.

A Lord who was always there for you. A Lord who loves you immensely.

A Lord you can always trust – even with your wallet.

In love always,