In the wake of faith and trust is a whole wave, or is it a calm, of good things. I think it depends on where we place our faith and trust. Because these two words are seemingly interchangeable, let’s look first at how they are different.
Faith may seem intangible with trust, but it is a noun. It is not a person or a place, but it is a thing. “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 It is faith that gives us the spiritual sight, our Creator’s perspective, that I refer to so often. “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” v6
Faith is the foundation we need to walk in wholeness, which leads us to trust.
Trust is definitely similar, but it is a verb, the action word that couples well with faith. We don’t ask, “Am I faithing God? “ We ask, “Am I trusting God?” The faith that God exists, and rewards, precedes the action of trusting.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 These verses demonstrate some of the actions that follow our faith in the Lord of All.
I love the following verses, because they state clearly what follows in the wake of faith and trust. (Emphasis mine.)
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. Isaiah 30:15
We begin with faith, by turning, or returning, to the Lord. Resting in that position, we are saved. Here, Abba is able to quiet our souls and spirits when we allow it. It is our confidence, our trust, in the character of the Lord that builds our strength, first spiritually, then body and soul join in. Israel often wanted none of it. And our human nature also, too often resists returning, and all that follows.
The good news follows: “So, the Lord must wait for you to come to him [return] so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.” v18 Because we are not always ready and eager, God graciously waits for us. To go along with all these, I also think of the fruit of the Spirit, and friendship. Yes, in faith and trust we are friends of God.
I chose a picture of calm this week, because I find His shalom, nothing broken nothing missing, in the wake of faith and trust.
What other blessings can you think of that are in the wake of faith and trust?
