BUILDING TRUST

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”  –Fred Rogers

 

A music director of a church congregation shared this quote. He was having surgery for cancer the following day. What wisdom can we take away from the quote?

 

 

 

While reflecting on this quote, I couldn’t help but think how God is the perfect model for us.

When we turn to God in our brokenness as we go through trials or when life’s problems seem to overwhelm us, doesn’t God…

…welcome us in the safety of His arms as we share our hearts with Him?
  His huge outstretched arms protect you – under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm.  –Psalm 91:4  (MSG)

…listen to us with His heart?
  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  –Jeremiah 29:12  (NIV)

…let us know we can trust Him?
  Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.  –Psalm 62:8  (NIV)

…send us encouragement, be it a blessing in nature or a passage in the Word?
  For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.  –Isaiah 41:13  (NIV)

…assure us He is with us?
 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  –Joshua 1:9  (ESV)

 

Photo courtesy of Eric Holmes under Creative Commons License (CC0 1.0)

 

What a treasure it is in our lives when, especially in our distress, we first turn to God to share with Him. Knowing that God is always there for us, listening to us, comforting us, and encouraging us gives us true peace. As we trust the Lord more and more, we realize we are never alone. God is with us in the most difficult of circumstances.

It is always an extra blessing to see the people God puts in our path who model those Godly attributes in the human form. Sometimes we need that human connection to feel God’s grace even more in our lives.

Can you think of people who provide that for you?
Who comes to you knowing you are there for them?

 

This week may you be encouraged to…

…reach out to God and share your heart when life is tough, and you need a reminder you are not alone.

…look for faithful, trustworthy humans who will be there when you need them.

…seek ways you can improve yourself in building trust with others.

…praise God by the way you respect and honor those in your path by meeting them in their need.

 

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.  –1 Peter 1:22  (NIV)