July 4th

This Friday, we celebrate the Fourth of July—a day marked by fireworks, flags, and gratitude for the freedom we enjoy as a nation. Our national motto, boldly stamped on our currency, proclaims: “In God We Trust.”

But what most of us don’t realize is this trust is the very source of all liberty.  Without trust, there can be no lasting freedom—in our nation, in our relationships, or in our walk with God.

In the languages of the Bible—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—there are several words used to express the many forms and depths of love. English, however, has only one word: love. This limitation makes it difficult to fully grasp the depth of the love God has for us. When I say, “I love French fries,” it is not the same love I express when I say to my child or my spouse, “I love you.”

You cannot have love without trust. “In God we trust” is not just a motto—it’s God’s desire and dream for us to believe and live out. It’s another way of saying, “I love you.” It’s saying, “Even in delay, I will wait expectantly because I trust you.” Job declared, Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him”. Job 13:15 

Even in our relationship to others, to trust someone is to expose the very core of your heart to them—to be transparent and open, with no secrets, only loyalty and faithfulness, no matter what. You trust in their love for you. There’s no room for betrayal.

Our money says, “In God we trust,” but perhaps it should also say, “In us, God trusts.” That would be the ultimate expression of love. Can God trust you? Can He trust you with His love? Can He rest in that love? Zeph. 3:17. Imagine God desiring to rest in the certainty that His people will trust Him no matter what.

This is how we touch God’s heart—His innermost being—and enter into communion with Him. Trust.  We share in His joys, His battles, His victories, His sorrows, and even the grief He feels when someone stumbles or suffers.

This is the ultimate expression of love—a mutual trust. 

Trusting God doesn’t mean life will always go as we planned. It’s easy to love God when everything is going our way—when He quickly fulfills His wonderful promises to us and pours out blessings. But the same principle holds true in our relationships. It’s easy to love someone when they’re doing what you want, when they’re going in the same direction you wish to go.  Trust will be tested and refined as gold is refined.