January 2

The target of our trust

So Jesus answered… "Have faith in God." Mark 11:22 (NKJV)

We've established that faith is belief that reaches beyond this world. It's like an arrow that an archer launches into the darkness of night. But if that's the case, what's the target? The Bible resoundingly answers that question by telling us again and again that the object of our faith, the target of our trust, is to be God.

That's an important point because in some circles there are those who teach that our faith needs to be in our own faith—that if we just believe long and strong enough in something, it will produce positive results.

But faith is only as valid in the object in which it's placed. Faith placed in other people or their promises is always going to be lacking in the end. However, faith placed in God's person and promises is quite another story. Faith in Him will never come up short, which is why Jesus told us to "have faith in God."

And we don't just hear this from Jesus. Jehoshaphat exhorted Judea to "have faith in the Lord" (2 Chronicles 20:20). David exhorted his readers to "trust in the Lord" (Psalm 4:5). Isaiah encouraged his audience to "trust in the Lord forever" (Isaiah 26:4). The author of the Book of Hebrews speaks of the importance of having "faith in God" (Hebrews 6:1). And even Peter reminds us that "your faith and hope are in God" (1 Peter 1:21).

The consistency and continuity can't be denied or ignored. Faith, biblical faith, the kind of faith that believes beyond the limits of this life, is to be placed in God. Not man, not materials, not mantras, but God. And when He becomes the target of our trust, faith becomes the effective factor we read about in the Bible.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart…(Proverbs 3:5 NKJV) 

Think About It… 

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today?  

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God's mercy is new every day. That's because it's needed daily. So to help you walk through a fresh new day, the Active Word has put together this second volume of the 365 Devotional.  Our hope in creating this series of devotionals, is to help you connect with God's Word 365 days a year. And the best thing is, you can start any day of the year. Stay in step with God's Word, His will, and learn to live out your faith, daily.