Trusting God

​Trusting God
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
 
‘You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God is my refuge.  I trust in you and I’m safe!”….Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble.  I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me.  Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.  I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!” - Psalm 91:1-2, 9-10, 14-16 MSG 
 
Trust can be a hard thing for many of us.  We have become conditioned to do what we put our mind to and do it on our own.  In fact, as Americans, we have been taught that this is the land of opportunity.  Anyone can do it if they work hard and apply themselves.  And yet, this picture it not nearly complete. 
 
None of us have the benefits we have today on our own.  Much has worked in our advantage or disadvantage depending upon our families, experiences and opportunities.  Still somehow we think that we move up the ladder or ahead in business by our own devices.
 
Instead, we learn in today’s Psalm that when we spend time in God’s presence we begin to understand how much God cares for each of us, shelters us and protects us.  We worship a God that understands the many storms we experience in our families, our workplace and in the world.  Life in relationship with others means that there will be heartache and pain.  However, this Scripture urges us to call out for God and God will answer.  The Lord will be at your side, enriching your life and bringing salvation to God’s people.
 
God urges us to get to know and trust God.  Getting to know God comes from spending time in prayer and reflecting on God’s Holy Scriptures.  It also comes through relationship with God, a two-way conversation where we both talk with God and listen for God.
 
Prayer and reflection may seem like passivity.  However, there is great action that takes place in times of reflection and prayer.  Through time with God, often real action steps can come to the pray-er as these questions and concerns are being felt deeply.
 
Lent is a special time to ask God to enter into specific situations that need God’s healing and direction.  It is easy to try to solve our problems on our own.  However, God wants us to trust our Lord with these difficult situations in our lives and respond in faith, in hope and in love.
 
Prayer:  O High God, our refuge and fortress, help us to turn to you for comfort, protection and guidance.  We need you, God.  Help us to hear your message of peace in the midst of conflict, your message of healing in the midst of brokenness and your message of hope even when we see despair.  May your abiding Lenten hope transcend the war being fought within us still.  Amen.