An important part of human development is learning whom you can trust to help and support you. Children look to adults as they grow up. These may be parents, teachers, pastors, or other family members. Every one of us passes this stage in our development. But as we grow, we often crave independence. And sometimes even those on whom we trusted and relied can disappoint or abuse that trust.
It can be difficult at times to know where to put our trust. We see those in authority who are corrupt. Even those who are supposed to be our spiritual leaders can fall from grace. Sometimes the worst breach of trust can come from members of our own family. We may feel at times that there is nothing sure and no one on whom we can rely except ourselves.
But even within ourselves, we find the truth of the old saying that no one is an island. We fall short of our own expectations. We cannot carry through on our own plans and best-laid intentions. And when we fall short, we sometimes let others down in addition to ourselves. So where do we turn?
The prophet Micah speaks today of trust in the God who brings salvation to His people. He looked forward to the day of the coming of the Messiah and saw that, when everyone and all else failed, God was still faithful. In these words that remind us of Jesus' trust in God in the face of corrupt rulers who sought to put Him to death and disciples who abandoned Him to the cross, the prophet points to the source of our trust that will never be put to shame.
THE PRAYER: Gracious Father who sent Your Son Jesus to save us sinners, thank You that we can always look to You in uncertain times. Amen.
Written by Pastor William D. Miller
Grace Lutheran Church
Knoxville, Tennessee
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