Who Will You Trust?

Before Johnny Carson became host of The Tonight Show, he hosted a game show called “Who Do You Trust?” Contestants were couples. The host would announce the question's category, the husband would choose whether to trust himself or his wife to answer, and then the question was given.

The game is long gone, but the basic question of trust still exists. Jesus acknowledged life’s troubles; however, He also offered us hope and peace in Him (John 16:33).

When things go well, we’re on the mountain top. Things down in the valley look so small. But down in the valley, those little things loom over us like dark shadows. Negative thoughts and feelings fill us with despair.

I’m not talking about deep clinical depression, which can last for weeks or months. It completely disrupts daily life and needs medical help to recover.

I’m talking about a temporary emotional reaction to stress and hard life events. You continue to function while acknowledging negative emotions and engaging in some self-talk for improvement.

In Psalm 42, the psalmist sets the example. First, he asks, “Why am I downcast and inwardly disturbed?” (v. 5, 11). Then he shares what he intends to do:

• Look up and remember good things God has done (v. 4, 6)
• Give God praise (v. 5, 11)
• Pray; God is still with me (v. 8)
• Hope in God (v. 5, 11)

He chooses to capture his thoughts. The New Testament advises this, too (2 Corinthians 10:4). You’re the captain of your own ship when it comes to your thoughts.

Are you stuck in a negative cycle of fear, unsettling or anxious thoughts? Do you desire a change?

Start by putting your trust in God. Here are three good reasons: (1) He will never lie (Numbers 23:19), (2) Jesus intercedes for us (Hebrews 4:14-16), and (3) God will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Hebrews 13:5b).

Who will you trust? Make your choice and get started.

Say, “I will yet praise Him and pour out my soul” (Psalm 42:5, 11, 4). “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19).

You need not live in despair. 

Pixabay: Success, Man, Mountain; Tumisu.