A Life of Trust

When your life is focused on Christ, not only will your life be a life of prayer, but your life will also be a life of trust or faith. That is how you will live your life when focused on Jesus—by faith, or complete trust in Him.

Note the promise in Second Thessalonians 3:3: "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." The lack of faith is widespread among men. Note again the end of verse 2: "for not all have faith." In contrast to that unfortunate truth is the fact of the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus—"But the Lord is faithful" (v. 3a).

The more we focus on His faithfulness, the more we become faith-filled. He can be relied on to "establish you and guard you from the evil one" (v. 3b), or as the NIV and NASB put it, to "strengthen and protect you from the evil one" (v. 3b). In Christ you are "strengthened" (v. 3b) or given inner security. In Him you are also assured of outward protection from the enemy—Satan.

"Protect" (v. 3b, NIV) is a military term that refers to "protection against a violent assault" (The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Volume 11, [Zondervan Publishing House: Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1978], 332). The last part of 1 John 5:18 says, "he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him." Jesus is faithful, and He will defend you against even the touch of the enemy.

Paul didn't know for certain how strong the Thessalonians' trust in God would be in the face of many trials and persecutions. But, no matter what kind of difficulties they might face, he knew the Lord would always be faithful to them in accomplishing His purposes in them. In fact, he knew that God would be so faithful to them that all they needed to do was to trust Him for His provisions. Do that, and you will always be enabled to withstand any assault brought upon you by this evil world.

Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13—"God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" (NASB). The Lord will take care of you. He will fill you with internal spiritual strength, while He guards you from external attacks. Trust Him! Exercise faith in Him daily. When you are focused on Christ, you will lean on Him and He will take care of you. Amen.