Trust

‘And if I remain alive please keep your sacred promise and be loyal to me; but if I die, show the same kind of loyalty to my family for ever. And when the Lord has completely destroyed all your enemies, may our promise to each other still be unbroken. If it is broken, the Lord will punish you.’ Once again Jonathan made David promise to love him, for Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself. (verses 14-17)

Read 1 Samuel 20:1-23

My heart was breaking. For some days I had thrashed around in my grief alone. My husband had died so suddenly. Deafening thoughts thundered in my head. My feelings dragged relentlessly on my whole being. And I thought, ‘Who can I turn to? Who can I trust with my innermost thoughts, my life?’

My heart was full of mistrust from some life experiences, but in desperation I rang someone I believed was a possibility. Totally distraught I said, ‘I don’t know what’s happening. I’ll go “bananas” if l don’t tell someone, but I’m afraid. I really want to know I can trust you.’

With overwhelming compassion he said, ‘Try me’.

I did, and the trust has not been broken. The relief of a burden shared by a trusted friend is immeasurable. We all need someone who will help us in our direst need.

When the way is rough who can you trust? When the way is rough can you be trusted?

Father, you are the most trustworthy friend, always ready to hear and help. I thank and praise you. Make me your trustworthy servant and loyal friend to those in need. Amen.

by Eunice Freiberg in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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