Can I Trust?

I’m reminded more and more that there is a sense of ambiguity that is inherent in life. Being human we don’t have all the answers. I’m especially reminded of how so often in moments of crisis, or moments of tragedy, this is most difficult. We want to know why… Why did this happen? Why did she die so young? Why me? And most often, there simply are no answers. And we have to live with this unknowing.

The truth is, sooner or later in life we bump up against the fact that there are vast stretches of unknown. We come to realize pretty quickly that so much of life is completely out of our control.

Which raises the question, “Can I trust? Can I trust that God with me in this?”

It is hard to live with ambiguity. We got a small taste of it this past year with COVID. A year ago, we had no idea what would happen… or for how long.

Some of you have had to live with the diagnosis of cancer… or a child who struggles with addiction… or uncertainty about a job… Some of you have had to live with tremendous ambiguity and uncertainty for years on end.

In those moments, it is tempting to capitulate to despair. And it is so easy to fall prey to great anxiety… or to blame others… And if we’re not careful, those fears can lead to a longing, grasping, or a striving to control the uncontrollable. If we’re not careful, those fears can lead us to place our hope and our trust in people or things that are not God.

One of our elders, Jennifer King’s Great Aunt Rose October used to say, “Trust Him even when you cannot trace Him.”

That’s not easy. But it is at the heart of our faith. Trust. Trust. Trust.

Let us pray: Gracious God, I pray especially for those who find themselves in moments of great uncertainty or anxiety. I pray that they would sense your presence with them. Grant them your grace that they come to a deep and knowing place of trust. I ask in Christ’s name. Amen.