The Urgent Need for Trust

In light of many emotional yet traumatic events occurring in our nation, it appears to be the result of immense lack of trust.

Trust is defined as “belief that someone or something is reliable, good, honest, effective, etc.”  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trust

In Stephen M.R. Covey’s book “The Speed of Trust” it explains:

“There is one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, nation, economy and civilization throughout the world – one thing which, if removed, will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love. On the other hand, if developed and leveraged, that one thing has the potential to create unparalleled success and prosperity in every dimension of life. That one thing is trust. “

“Trust impacts us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I am convinced that in every situation, nothing is fast as the speed of trust.”

 “Whatever our situation, we need to get good at establishing, extending and restoring trust – not as a manipulative technique, but as the most effective way of relating to and working with others, and the most effective way of getting results.”

In regards to the Ferguson MO situation, the protests, emotions and anger appear to correlate with a profound lack of trust for the city & state judicial systems.

Cases in Point include:

• The complete lack of transparency from the local or state entities
• Lack of consistent communication
• Taking three months for grand jury deliberation
• The inconsistent system and processes

Nevertheless, the primary need is our unwavering trust in the Lord. It is imperative for us to understand that God is in charge, He sees and knows everything, and that He is the ultimate judge.

The Bible says:

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Psalm 37:5 (NKJV): 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 118:8 (NKJV): It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man.

Nahum 1:7 (NKJV): The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.

2 Corinthians 3:4 (NKJV): And we have such trust through Christ toward God.

John 14:1 (CEB): 14 Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me.

Memorable Quotes:

“We must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

“The moment there is suspicion about a person’s motives, everything he does becomes tainted.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“Our distrust is very expensive.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Try to be transparent, clear and truthful. Even when it is difficult, and above all, when it is difficult. – Jean-Cyril Spinetta

“It takes a lot of truth to gain trust, but just one lie to lose it all.”

“When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” – Maya Angelou

 “I am very cautious of those whose actions don’t match their words.”

"Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.”

Remembering Tim Tebow’s words about trust:

” I don’t know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future.”