How Can You Trust a Person?
The question is asked, “How much can you trust a person?” The answer goes back, “You can only trust someone as much as you know them.”
That explains why some people don’t trust God. They don’t know Him and therefore have a misconception of Him. Through David God explains why some don’t trust Him, “You thought I was altogether like you.” (Psalms 50:21)
Daniel revealed, “…the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” (Daniel 11:32)
James tells us how to know Him better and get close to Him: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) There are many ways to do that. I am going to focus on one. He said, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Solitude is the incubator in which the fertile Word of God has time to develop Christlike characteristics. Fenelon, a voice from yesteryear wrote: “How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.”
Time alone with God helps us to see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly, and follow Him more nearly.
Designate a time and place when you are alone with Him and His word.
Several years I have been blessed to work with college students on a very large Montana ranch. One day they arise early and have a light breakfast. Each puts their cell phone in a paper bag which is stapled. They are given a bottle of water. We then spread them out on the high desert some distance apart where no one can see them, but from which they never lose sight of the ranch house. They have only their cell phone sealed in the bag to be used only for an emergency, their Bible and a bottle of water.
They are instructed to gather large stones and make a circle in which they are to remain all day except to relieve themselves. They are encouraged to spend the day reading their Bible and praying. They are told that at the end of the day they are to get a big stone to represent the sins they have confessed and leave it in the circle.
Back at the ranch in the early evening, around a much appreciated meal, they speak of their experiences. Some said it was the first time in their life they had been alone. Most spoke of what a transitional day it had been for them.
If you will provide time to systematically be alone with Him in His word you will know Him better, love Him more, and serve Him more enjoyably.
“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength….”