Trust

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

 Proverbs 3:5

The definition of trust is one that has a great deal of depth to it.  “Trust - reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.” (dictionary.com)  Can your spouse rely upon your integrity, your strength, your ability, your surety and be confident in you?  Wow! That is a set of standards to digest!  So, let’s take a look at these standards from two perspectives. 

The first perspective is taking a look at the relationship we have with Christ as individuals and as couples.  We can rely upon Christ’s integrity.  Christ has promised us so much and He has kept every one of His promises.  Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God.”  Christ’s integrity is shown through the gift given to us.  We can rely upon Christ’s strength.  Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.”  Christ’s strength holds us up through everything!  We can rely upon Christ’s ability.  John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  Jesus had the “ability” to die for us!  He didn’t say He couldn’t do it.  We can rely upon the surety of Christ.  Romans 8:32 – “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?”  We can have the confidence in Christ that when we put our trust in Him, He will follow through on His promises. 

The second perspective is taking a look at our relationship with our spouse as well as taking a look at where Christ fits in that relationship.  Trust can be likened to a bank account.  You make deposits and debits.  You make deposits by demonstrating to your spouse that they can rely upon your integrity, your strength, your ability and your surety.  You make debits in the bank account when you demonstrate the lack of reliability.  The unfortunate part debits carry with them a heavier weight than deposits do.  Therefore, it takes more deposits to keep the bank full.  Debits can deplete the bank quickly.

Because we are human, there are going to be deposits and debits going in and out of the bank account.  Those exchanges of deposits and debits take a toll on a relationship.  This is why it is critical that Christ is the center of a marriage.  When a couple looks to Christ to help them and guide them that is their stronghold.  As noted in Proverbs 3:5b – “Do not lean on your own understanding.”  Christ is the one who fills us with the wisdom, strength, passion, and love needed to have a fulfilling marriage.  Christ is the one who we can put our trust in and we have the assurance He will not let us down.  When there is a debit in the account Christ is the one who can help repair and fill the account with deposits. 

Cheryl