5 April, Tuesday — Trust

Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent

Num 21:4-9
Jn 8:21-30

“He who sent me is with me, and has not left me to myself,”

Trust. We all admit to the importance of this quality in our relationships. From a human point of view, trust is earned and may or may not be associated with love. For example, someone in business may trust his or her business partner, but it rarely has to do with love. However, if trust is broken, it is often irreparable and even if it is mended, it is never the same.

Now look at trust from a divine perspective. Jesus is both God and man. He knows that He will be undergoing immense humiliation and suffering. Yet, He still completely trusts God the Father. Even though the Father sent Him to a horrible death, Jesus does not doubt the Father is with Him through it all. He is not alone in this suffering. He is sustained by the Father’s love.

I know this is not explaining the example of human and divine trust perfectly. But I think you can see the difference. Human trust has conditions attached. ‘I will only trust you or love you as long as you don’t do anything to offend or hurt me’. Divine trust has no such limits. It is born out of love, pure simple love. Not of a love of oneself, but love of the other. It counts no costs.

Brothers and sisters, we know that our God is all good, all merciful, and of pure love. His way is above our ways. When we are asked to trust Him, it is often very difficult because we can’t see the good that it will bring amidst the pain that leads the way. Our vision is very limited, tunnel-like if you will; but our God, He sees all and plans all for our good. We cannot fathom His divine plans as we lack the vision.

Life on this earth is not just about pain and suffering. But they are a part of this life, as much as joy and pleasure. All that God asks of us is to love and trust Him, as He loves us and trusts us to do the right thing (even if we have turned away from Him over and over again). We must believe that the pain and suffering we go through will lead to good and joy in the end. Perhaps not the good you are expecting, but it will be for the good that helps build the kingdom of God on earth.

It takes grace, prayers, devotions to cultivate the kind of trust that our Lord has. To surrender completely, without reservation, is a very tall order. One that we cannot achieve on our own. Being human, we all like to be in control, especially of our own destiny. It is hard to relinquish control. We say we trust God and want to do His will, but there is a small part of us that we hang on so tight, we even forget that our fists are clenched. Holding on to this part, relying on ourselves instead of trusting in God’s providence, leads us to fear and destruction. While truly letting go and letting God take over, it is liberating, leads us to peace and joy. A very good analogy is like fighting to float. The more tense we hold our bodies, the more likely we are to sink; the more we let go, the water will lift us up, and the easier we will float.

Like the water lifting us up, the thought of God and His divine plan will take care of us, even though it may seem scary at first; He will not let us drown if we only trust. This is such a comforting thought — the Divine Providence that sustains us.  

I am still learning to float. Are you floating yet?  

(Today’s OXYGEN by Winnie Kung)

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to trust our Heavenly Father as You trust. Instil in us the desire to relinquish control and hand it over to the Father, letting Him take the driver’s seat of our lives, participating and relying fully in His providence, trusting in His goodness and plans.

Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your infinite love and patience. Despite the many times we struggle to do things our way, You are always there, waiting to catch us when we fall. Thank you for Your comforting presence and mercy.