Trust

[Jesus] trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, “I am God’s Son.” — Matthew 27:43 (NRSV)

Trust is an idea that sounds so simple. Perhaps it’s because we use it often: “Trust the process.” “You can trust me.” “Trust yourself.” “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Prov. 3:5). But how simple, really, is it to trust? By definition, trust means relinquishing control and depending on someone or something else, hoping for an outcome that is not definite.

For me, part of the challenge of trust comes in giving up control. Releasing control is one of the most difficult actions to undertake, and yet daily life requires so many acts of trust. Parents entrust their children to teachers and schools. Automobile drivers trust one another to follow the rules of the road. The writers of the meditations in this issue of The Upper Room trust readers to listen to and receive their stories with love. Our editorial team trusts your feedback to guide our work. As part of this relationship of trust, we hope you will take the time to respond to our survey mentioned on page three.

Trust is an appropriate theme for the season of Lent. Many meditations in this issue are about learning to trust God more fully in times of uncertainty. As we follow Jesus through these 40 days leading up to his death, Jesus shows us that trust in God does not mean an absence of questions, doubt, or fear. Even Jesus hesitated, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me” (Luke 22:42), and from the cross he cried out to God, “Why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). Yet, despite his questions and fears, Jesus gave up control and chose to trust God each step of the way.

Jesus invites us to do the same. As we take each faithful step toward Easter, we trust in Jesus who has gone ahead of us, leading us toward the hope of resurrection and new life.