What Is It to "Trust in God?"

"Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus."  - Revelation 14:12

The official motto of the United States of America is "In God We Trust." It's commonly found on U.S. currency. Though it had appeared on U.S. coins since the 1860's, it wasn't until 1955 when it became mandatory by law that it should appear on all coinage and paper money.

How many of us today give "In God We Trust" a second thought? The world is full of mottoes and inspirational quotes that we hang on our walls, or display on our desks and shelves, both, at work and in our homes. But, there has to be more to it than that, right?

To find the original meaning of these words we only have to turn to their source: the Bible. And though, example after example may be found between its covers, we only require one to illustrate our point.

Amaziah, the son of the assassinated king Jehoash of Judah (2 Chronicles 24:25), had come into full power at the young age of 25 years (2 Chronicles 25:1). Though he was not perfect by any means, "he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord" (2 Chronicles 25:2).

Amaziah's first rule of order as king was to avenge his father's death by killing those responsible for his murder (2 Kings 14:5-7; 2 Chronicles 25:3-5); yet did not harm their children, which was totally unheard of in those days (2 Chronicles 25:4).

The young king also planned to restore the kingdom's military honor and prestige which had been greatly depleted during his father's reign. He then assembled a militia army made up of all the young men who were 20 years or older (2 Chronicles 25:5).

Even so, he still felt this was not sufficient for his planned military campaigns. In order to increase the size of his army he decided to hire mercenaries from Israel, paying 100 talents of silver for their services (2 Chronicles 25:6).

Upon their arrival, a prophet (man of God) strongly urged the king not to join with them "for the LORD is not with Israel" (2 Chronicles 25:7). Naturally, the mercenaries were not happy with this turn of events, leaving both unemployed and angry.

Oh, yes! But what about the 100 talents? That was gone along with the idolatrous, apostate Israelites. Amaziah next asked the man of God "what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? The Israelites were long gone and so was the money.

It was then that the prophet spoke, saying "The LORD can give you much more than that" (2 Chronicles 25:9). In other words, don't worry about it, the LORD has got you covered, and then some. You just need to trust in Him. Does this sound familiar..?

God has more than enough to cover any losses you might suffer. What is needed is a firm belief, or trust, in His adequacy and efficiency to support us, and cover the losses and damages sustained in his service. We will be abundantly compensated.

Thus, to trust in God is to be willing to go the distance for him, in full confidence that by the goodness of his safety and protection we cannot, no, even better, WILL NOT lose! Additionally, whatever we sacrifice in His name will more than be made up similarly, or in kindness. 

The dictum "In God We Trust" is so much more than that. It declares that by placing our trust in God we, both, demonstrate our faith in Him and in what He can do for us. We can never lose with God. He has promised our faith will be rewarded in ways far beyond what we can ever know (John 3:12-13).

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5; Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 112:7; 1 Corinthians 1:8

Prayer: Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, for He is good and His steadfast love endures forever! Amen

Bless you,

Brielle