Put Your Trust in God

Thursday, 5 December 2024. Readings: Isaiah 26:1-6, Ps. 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27, Matthew 7:21,24-27

“Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace – in peace because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

Advent is a time of expectation. Without trust, there can be no expectation. Isaiah says anyone whose mind is stayed on God will be kept in perfect peace. To trust is to be at peace. If you are restless and not at peace, it is a sign that you have yet to surrender your affairs entirely to God, or perhaps you do not trust God.

- At Christmas, we celebrate that God took our human nature and became flesh to show us the extent He is willing to go to solve our problems. If God could do this, why do we still struggle to trust Him completely?

- Bear this in mind: human beings will always disappoint you because they cannot do things only God can do. No matter how a person tries to avoid betraying your trust, they will fail because they are not God. Hence, our responsorial psalm today says: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man; it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9).

- Many trust in their wealth, intelligence, or social networks. As much as we cannot avoid trusting people, remember that only God deserves our complete trust. People will disappoint us, but as we reflected yesterday, God never fails. Put your trust in God, not even the “man of God.” No matter how good a person is, they cannot take God’s place; limitations and weaknesses will always exist.

- Many of us claim to trust God, but our actions betray this trust. Actions speak louder than words. If we trust God, our actions will show it. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus told us: “It is not those who say ‘Lord, Lord’ who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

- If we trust God, we will obey Him. For instance, God says: “Do not steal.” (Seventh Commandment). To obey this commandment and avoid stealing, you must trust that God will provide your needs.

- While Isaiah uses the word “rock” to describe God's unshakable nature, Jesus uses the word “rock” to illustrate how unshakable we become when we obey His word. There is a correlation between trusting in God (the everlasting Rock) and having peace of mind (becoming like a Rock).

- Jesus says, “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock.” Your trust in God helps you to build your fortunes on a solid foundation. It is said: “Every day for the thief, one day for the owner.” Those who think they are building fortunes today by stealing will soon realise they have built on the sand when the truth is exposed.

- To build on rock is to withstand the trials and difficulties of life; it is to remain unshaken no matter how bad things appear. To build on rock is to live above fear. Hence, the Psalmist says: “In God alone be at rest my soul for my hope is in him.” (Psalm 62:1 & 5).

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us trust you and nothing else. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of the 1st week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 26:1-6, Ps. 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27, Matthew 7:21,24-27).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu