Trust Him

October 30, 2006

By Greg Ebie

I’ve been disappointed by people in my life, but I really can’t say I have been betrayed. Betrayal is too strong a word. I can only begin to imagine the hurt and pain of those who have been betrayed by their spouse — the affair, the addiction, the lies, the broken trust must be like a knife plunged into the heart.

And what about the kids who suffer as collateral damage when parents divorce? Their hearts are torn in two. You thought Mom and Dad would always be there for you; now whom can you depend on?

David knew what it was like to be betrayed by people who once loved him. Saul’s admiration had turned to jealousy, and Saul hunted David ready to kill him as though he were a fugitive. David’s friends, and even his son Absalom, turned their backs upon David. Was there anyone David could depend upon?

“Strong God, I’m watching you do it, I can always count on you. God in dependable love shows up on time, shows me my enemies in ruin.”

(Psalm 59:9,10, The Message)

The love of some had grown cold toward David; their love proved to be changeable. But not God’s love. David knew God’s love was unchangeable. David had learned “His love endures forever!” (See Psalm 100:5; 136:1-26.)

Dependable — it is the ability to be trusted to act in the way required or expected, to be reliable and responsive. Those who are dependable are trustworthy, loyal and faithful people. What makes them this way? They don’t just say “I love you” or “I’ll be there for you.” Dependable people prove their love with their actions; they do what they say they will do, and often even more, because love motivates them to act.

While the love of some may change and even give way to betrayal, we can count on God’s love to be unchangeable. God’s love will always be dependable. He will always act in accordance to His love for us. God will do what is best, what is right. Sometimes God’s strong love will deliver us out of our turmoil. He will heal or provide what we need. At other times God will stand by our side and comfort our hearts with peace through the storm. God’s grace and love will never betray us.

D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.