Trust

In making the rounds to garner back-to-school attire and supplies for my kids, stores issued many incentives to come back later and spend more money.  I noticed, in particular, a $10 coupon from Old Navy which imitated our American currency, saying “In happiness we trust.”  The underlying supposition, of course, is that buying clothes at Old Navy will make one happy.

My mind immediately flashed to the statement on our legal tender:  In God we trust.  I felt defensive not for the “almighty dollar” but for the Almighty Himself.  For it is in Him we place our trust.

Or do we?

The word ‘trust’ in the Bible is used some 134 times, with slight variation and nuance to the meaning.  Generally, it’s defined as hope, confidence or security.   The unflattering truth is likely that we put a great deal of confidence and security in circumstantial happiness, evidenced by

– the desire to change jobs when we feel under-appreciated or under-paid
– switching schools at the first sign of hardship, socially or academically
– replacement of perfectly functional household goods, clothing and even body parts.

There are excellent reasons to do each of those things, but often those choices are driven by discontent, or unhappiness, assuming our pleasure alone is reason enough to precipitate change.

The price of trusting in circumstances or happiness is exorbitant and fickle, requiring ever-increasing payments.  Much like the so-called coupon, to redeem it, we have to spend more.

Not so with the Lord.  To trust Him is to have the enduring surety of a steadfast God, who can work all things out for our good (Romans 8:28).  It is to know that He has great plans for our lives, even if our circumstances appear to say otherwise (Jeremiah 29:11).  Most pointedly, it means giving assent to trials – counting them as privilege – because He wishes to refine our faith (James 1:2).  Surely these reasons merit the placement of my hope, confidence, security – my trust – in Him.

I finished my errands, my wallet engorged with receipts and ‘invitations’ to spend more money, masquerading as opportunities to save.  There are sound fiscal reasons to use cash instead of checks, debit cards or credit cards.  Now I’ve found another, more compelling, reason:  a tangible reminder, urging me to search whether it’s true of myself, “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
–1 Timothy 6:17 (TNIV)