This week I had a confidential and important problem, and needed a friend to talk to. I didn’t need someone to SOLVE the problem, I needed to talk to someone with whom I TRUSTED completely. Bringing the problem to fruition didn’t need the smartest or most talented, or even my “favorite” person, it was purely a matter of trust.
Consider today:
- Who do you trust the most and why? Consider telling this person, it will build more trust and will lift their spirit!
- Is there a relationship where you could improve the level of trust? Consider some of the trust-builders: Being more trustworthy yourself, becoming more vulnerable, building the relationship with openness and taking a leap of faith to entrust the other person more.
In John 16 Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure. It was time for him to go but he wasn’t going to leave them empty handed. He left them (and us) with the Holy Spirit, also known as the Friend (MSG), Helper (ESV), the Advocate (NLT), the Spirit of truth, among other names.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13)
Who can we trust more than our God who sent his son Jesus, and then after the Holy Spirit was sent? In our troubles we don’t need someone to just make us feel good. As humans we crave meaningful relationships based on trust and truth. Unfortunately these relationships in this life are often few and far between, susceptible to failure due to our sinful nature in a broken world.
What is our sin? How do we respond?
The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. (John 16:9)
What good is a doctor who says you are healthy when you’re dying? The Holy Spirit tells us we are dying (of our sin). The Spirit convicts and points to God the father and Jesus as savior. It is up to us to choose to believe (and follow) or to deny (and disobey) Him.
The world is full of scary stuff; pain, sorrow, confusion, lies and trouble. Do not rely on the world’s cures. The next vaccine may thankfully solve one problem but the next problem is right around the corner. The only vaccine for our real problem (sin) is repentance and forgiveness, and trusting in the name of Jesus Christ. He’s the vaccine. He’s the cure. He’s the only one worthy of all trust, the victor, undefeated, and champion of all time.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Where are your trials and tribulations today, and where is your trust? Don’t let these words from Jesus pass you by. They were written for you and me, for all situations. Give them over to the one who died with you in mind. He loves you and he seeks a relationship right now in this very moment.