July 17

A Heart That Trusts

Today’s Scripture Readings:  Psalm 74:12-23 | 1 Chronicles 24:1 – 26:11 | Romans 4:1-12 | Proverbs 19:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Romans 4:1-12

Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Now to one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness (Romans  4:3-5 ESV).

If you are looking for an example of faith, real faith, it’s hard to ignore Abraham. Clearly, he trusted God. Nearly all the New Testament writers make a point about that (see Galatians 3, James 2 and Hebrews 11 for a few more examples).

He trusted God when the way was unclear. Hebrews 11 describes his faith this way: “When called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, he obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country.” He trusted God and followed him “even though he didn’t know where he was going.” Have you ever been there? I have. Faith often requires following God “in the dark.” We walk by faith and not by sight. Abraham trusted God even when the way was unclear.

He trusted God when the promise seemed impossible.  God promised a son through whom his descendants would be as the stars of the heaven, as the sands of the seashore. But he was “past age” and “as good as dead” —and Sarah was barren (Heb. 11:11-12). When it was all said and done, he trusted God to do the impossible and a son was born (that doesn’t mean there weren’t a few struggles of faith along the way—and a few missteps). He trusted God to fulfill an impossible promise. He trusted God when the cost seemed unbearable. Most strikingly, Abraham trusted God enough to be willing to sacrifice the son of the promise simply because God asked him to.  Abraham’s faith was tested severely, and he passed the test. In this life, we all face trials of faith (James 1).

What was the secret of this man who knew how to trust God?  What was the key to his faith: “He considered Him faithful who made the promise” (Hebrews 11:11).  He knew God personally and knew that he could be trusted. He knew that God was always faithful to his promises.

This is the essence of faith—of a heart that trusts God: resting in the faithfulness of God.  

Open your heart today to know the God who is faithful to his promises.  Take your questions, burdens and worries to him—knowing that he cares and is faithful—and find rest for your soul.

Faithful God, I come to you today with questions, burdens and worries. You have always proved faithful to your promises, so now I pray for you to meet my needs according to the promises of your Word. Guide me, provide for me, watch out for me. I am trusting in you. Amen.