The Seven Pillars Of Wisdom - 1: Trust Series

You can’t take it with you; the “big purdy” rock will still be here.

Trust in the eternal.

3. Our own trustworthiness affects our ability to trust.

Proverbs 3: 27

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.

28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow"- when you now have it with you.

29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.

30 Do not accuse a man for no reason- when he has done you no harm.

Proverbs 11: 13

13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

How trustworthy are you?

If you are a sneak and a cheat you will always be suspicious of others.

I challenge you if you find it hard to be trusting, examine your heart.

4. Trusting God increases our discernment about trusting others.

Proverbs 3: 21-26

21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;

22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.

23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;

24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

There is an old story of a father who took his young son out and stood him on the railing of the back porch. He then went down, stood on the lawn, and encouraged the little fellow to jump into his arms. "I’ll catch you," the father said confidently. After a lot of coaxing, the little boy finally made the leap. When he did, the father stepped back and let the child fall to the ground. He then picked his son up, dusted him off, and dried his tears.

"Let that be a lesson," he said sternly. "Don’t ever trust anyone."

Many of us have had our trust violated by this kind of thing.

God can heal those scars and He will. Forgiveness is your part of the equation.

How do I forgive?

- Not with your emotions.

- Your emotions are not the direction setters for your life.

- Your emotions do not determine the spiritual condition of your heart.

Your Will is the director and indicator in both instances.

- Set a date – Oct. 5 2003 – As of this day I forgive blank for blank.

- When your emotions rise up and say that your decision did not take, command them to line up with your will and the Word of God.

- Forgiving does not require you to continue placing yourself in a position to be hurt.

- Just say, “ I have forgiven you and I release you to go on with your life.” Then go on with your own life free from the anger and resentment that only cripples you and gives the one who did the wrong in the first place continued power over you.