January 10

Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD. - Psalms 115:11

TRUSTING in God is the basis of every part of religion. We fall by losing our confidence in God, and we can only be recovered by the renewal of it. And the one simple design of revelation, from the beginning to the end, is that “we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” This is the grand design of the mediation of our Saviour. “God raised him up from the dead and gave him glory, that our faith and hope might be in God.” Hence we are said to be “saved through faith,” to be “justified by faith,” “purifying our hearts by faith,” and to be sanctified by faith, to “live by faith,” and to “walk by faith.” And faith is this trust in its principle, and trust is this faith in its exercise. Let us consider what it is that characterizes a believer’s trust in God.

First, It is difficult. It is no easy thing for a man whose conscience is truly awakened to trust in a Being who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, and whom he has offended times without number; and especially to trust in him not only for pardon, but for acceptance and supplies, and salvation, and salvation with eternal glory-to trust a Being who has never been the object of any of our senses, who is therefore an entirely invisible Being to us.

Secondly, This trust in God is warranted. This warrant is to be found in God’s word. It is this makes him known, and proclaims his name, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious.” It is here we have his engagement confirmed by his oath, his promise, and his command, to authorize our trust in him.

Thirdly, It is always of a practical nature. I may tempt God in a thousand ways, but I can only trust God Spiritually in the path of duty and in the use of means.

Fourthly, This trust is perpetual. We are to trust in him at all times. In general there are two conditions, both of them great trials of this confidence. The first is a state of prosperity, when our very successes and engagements keep us from feeling our need of him so much; and the other is a state of adversity, when events seem to oppose the promises of God. Here is the time to trust in God, and to say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” This trust is very extensive. It regards everything we need for time and for eternity. It is very relieving. “His heart shall not be afraid of evil tidings, his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord;” and it is this trust by which God is pleased and honoured.

“Retreat beneath his wings,

And in his grace confide,

This more exalts the King of kings,

Than all your works beside.”