When our grandson Ryan first started work, he was employed by a man who had a tree services business. Ryan learnt to climb tall trees that needed to be felled. On occasions when I watched Ryan climbing trees I learnt that there is an art in carrying out this activity. One must have a rope to throw over one of the upper branch and then attach it to the climber’s belt at one end. There must also be a strap that is hooked to the climber and goes around the tree trunk and you must wear spiked shoes. The secret in climbing is to lean back and depend on the strap so the shoe spikes can dig into the tree. Trusting in the security and strength of the strap is so essential in order to stay safe and finish the job.
This example of depending on the strength of a strap illustrates how trust is absolutely essential in our lives. Only when we have to doubt everything that we hear, see, buy, or experience do we understand the magnitude and significance of the loss of trust in our lives. Right now our world is unfortunately full of devious persons who want to scam us. There are continual messages being received through our phones, emails and other social media outlets from these scammers and hackers. We have to be so careful in deciding what we do with these messages. Who do we place our trust in these days?
I recall reading of a fictional incident where a tourist came close to the edge of the Grand Canyon, lost his footing and plunged over the side, clawing and scratching to save himself. After he went out of sight and just before he fell into space, he encountered a scrubby bush which he desperately grabbed with both hands.
Filled with terror, he called out toward heaven. “Is there anyone up there?” A calm, powerful voice came out of the sky, “Yes, there is.” The tourist pleaded, “Can you help me? Can you help me?” The calm voice replied, “Yes, I probably can. What is your problem?” “I fell over the cliff and am dangling in space holding to a bush that is about to let go. Please help me.”
The voice from above said, “I’ll try. Do you believe?” “Yes, yes, I believe!” “Do you have faith?” “Yes, yes, I have strong faith.” The calm voice said, “Well, in that case, simply let loose of the bush and everything will turn out fine.” There was a tense pause, then the tourist yelled, “Is there anyone else up there?”
Have you found yourself in a similar demanding situation in your life, where you are seeking answers to what you should do?
Trusting in our God when we face these types of situations in our lives can sometimes be very difficult to do. Many times we can find ourselves in challenging and testing circumstances. We panic and feel unable to handle the situation. We are in reality, blind about what course of action to take. We ask ourselves: “Where will I go? What will I do? How can I resolve this problem?”
Our relationship with an ever-faithful God demands an ever-faithful life from each of us. This trust challenge starts with each of us. From our own personal perspective, others should be able to bank on our promises and entrust to us any important matter, with no further thought. We need to be known for our integrity that can always be trusted.
Often we read in Scripture to lift up our head to God when problems arise. He knows how to protect us if we remember to listen to Him. Solomon, the son of David is recorded in Proverbs 3:5, 6 as writing this encouraging message: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
In the Christian life, God wants us to walk with our heads held high through depending on Him. When we are hurt by splinters, we should recognize that they are reminders that we need to depend on His strength and loving protection. And God has promised us blessings if we do this through these words found in Jeremiah 17: 7, 8a: “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.”
The following words spoken to Israel and recorded in Isaiah 41: 10 NKJV assures us of God’s help and presence in our lives:
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
What an assuring promise this is for each of us! We need to continue to rely solely on the Word of the only One who is truly sighted – God himself.
Bill Gillard