Trust Issues

     Do people trust you? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines trust as “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” Many of us like to believe that people can trust us, but the reality is that many people do not trust others. I believe that part of that mistrust comes from living in a world full of people who constantly abuse, cheat, and cut others down. How sad to see that we have fallen from taking someone’s word to needing various sorts of “proof!” Jesus commanded that our yes be yes and our no be no. (Matthew 5:27). When a word was given, people could trust that.
     So again, I ask, do people trust you? Is your word good? A sign of a noble Proverbs 31 woman is trustworthiness. Here is what Proverbs 31:11 says:

“The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.” (AMP)

     I used the Amplified version to show the words that go with trust. Confident. Rely. Believe. Secure. Honest.  These words just sound solid and safe and trustworthy. I want to go through and just find Scriptural ways in which we can become more trustworthy for others in our lives.
     The first thing I want to point out is the complete subject of this sentence “The heart of her husband”. I realize I am typing for a mixed audience, so some of you might be like, “Shoot, woman! I ain’t got time for a husband! I’m in high school so obviously this just doesn’t apply.” Sister, hold your horses because let me tell you…you can always be preparing yourself for that husband. A husband serves as your life companion and is there to spur you towards Christ and becomes one with you. Marriage is a big deal. In order, though, to attract a Godly man, you must first be lost in Christ and be working to prepare yourself for that day. It’s like learning to manage a household. My mother didn’t just teach me how to cook and do laundry and balance a checkbook the week before I started college! Instead, she has been teaching me and preparing me for years. Cooking now comes easily, laundry can be done (even if it’s a despised chore), and raising a child one day will be second nature because my mother (and father for that matter) have prepared me and taught me essential skills so that one day I can live on my own and have my own family. There is still plenty to learn, and there always will be, but it starts early.
     Similarly, preparing yourself for marriage starts early. It starts by pursuing purity, imitating Christ, and encouraging the fruits of the Spirit to grow in our lives. Then, when we run into situations, we automatically turn to the Bible and turn to what we have been prepared to do all along. So darling, just because you do not have a husband yet does not mean that you won’t have one later. Prepare yourself by becoming a disciple of Christ and a Proverbs 31 woman.
     As Proverbs 31 women, we are to be reliable. Our word needs to be strong and sure. When you tell a girlfriend that you will be at her party, show up. Follow through. When you need to bring something to the church bake sale, follow through. It is worth so much more whenever a friend can count on you through thick and thin rather than to be known as the girl who "you never know what she will do”.
     When you become reliable and trustworthy, people will respect you. Your peers will be able to come to you honestly because you are a solid source (but remember, only because you are relying upon THE Solid Source, Jesus Christ) and they will trust in your word that you give. It is so important, especially today, because more and more often, people will lie and manipulate you so that they can gain something in this world.
     Stand out from the crowd and be trustworthy. When you are trustworthy and reliable, people will look to you more for advice, which is a great open door for you to open up the Gospel. You will become an even brighter beacon of light wherever you are. You will be preparing your heart for the man God has designed for you. Be the rock in the world that reflects the Rock of our lives.