What does tomorrow brings? Will I still have work? Will there be an end with the constant chaos in the world? The future always gives us something to worry or to doubt about. And as with our human nature, we want to control almost all aspects so we try to plan and strategize for the events to come. Do not get me wrong, being prepared and looking ahead is not a sin. But relying on our own capabilities alone and planning to control as much as we can, now there is something wrong about that.
There was one apostle who rely on his senses whether to believe or not believe in Jesus Christ’s resurrection. He opted not to believe until he see Christ resurrected with his own eyes and feel the wounds with his own hands. The apostle I am talking about was Thomas, also called Didymus (John 20:24). John 20 talks about one of the various instances where Jesus appeared to his disciples and other witnesses after his resurrection. During this instance, Thomas was not with the other disciples, when Jesus appeared to them. When news was told to him, Thomas replied that he will not believe unless he see the nail prints (John 20:25).
Scripture
Proverbs 3:5 KJV "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."
Observation
Today’s Bible verse is pretty much straight forward. But it is also one of the many verses that we take for granted. In order to apply this verse into our lives, one must be humble and accept the fact that they are not that wise as they think they are. Majority of the people with high education would rather base their trust on their academics than God. For them God is a mythical being, created by our ancestors to explain things that cannot be explained during those time. Our worldly intellect, aside from sin, is a great barrier between us and God when we do not feed it with Pure and True knowledge.
Like Thomas, we often use our own standards in matters of God. A good example for this is our prayers. When our prayers do not get answered the way we were expecting it, we then doubt if God hears our prayer or worst we doubt if He exists. Another instance is the reality of Jesus Christ death and resurrection and His gift of salvation. For others, including myself, we believe that we are saved because of our faith in Jesus. While others, do not even acknowledge their sins that is why Jesus died on the cross to repay that sin. Moreover, these groups of people think that their works can save them.
Jeremiah reminded us when he wrote “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let not the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches.” (Jeremiah 9:23 KJV). This is a clear cue for us that we cannot rely on ourselves or on our wealth here on earth. But trust in God for He is at works constantly for our good (Romans 8:28-30).
Application
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Will you consider yourself as someone who doubts or trusts easily?
- What are your doubts or worry?
- Create a list of whom you trust?
- What are your worries when you trust people?
Prayer
Almighty Father, we adore your Holy name. Teach us Lord to trust in You with all of our hearts. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us and to be trusting to You and Your works. We thank You that you have sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the ransom for our sins. Thank You Jesus for your example of how to trust the Father’s plan. May you guide us to trust and not be doubtful of God’s will for us.
All these we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
