Psalm 9

For many years now, one of my favorite television programs has been Judge Judy. But it is often sad to see the steady parade of young people (usually girls) who have found themselves in a tight spot because they were taken advantage of. When Judge Judy asks them why they were stupid enough to do whatever it was they did (loan money, co-sign for a car, etc.), the answer invariably is, “Because I trusted him, Your Honor.”

The sad part is that many of these situations occur within weeks, sometimes days of one person “knowing” the other. I knew him for three days and we moved in together. I knew her for two weeks and loaned her $4000. I thought I could trust him. I think the younger generations in this country have totally lost the concept of what trust actually means.

In this psalm, David said, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (vs 10) Like a beautiful diamond, this puts trust in its proper setting. You see, true faith demands a context. It’s not something that’s out there on its own. It’s not isolated. It’s not a leap. It belongs in a setting. And the setting is evidence.

This verse describes how experience leads to knowledge, which leads to action. Those who know what the Lord is like (knowledge) because they have witnessed His faithfulness (experience) put their faith and trust in Him (action). God isn’t like one of those freeloaders who asks for our trust without the evidence to back it up.

Yes, God wants us to be willing to trust. But He doesn’t want us to put our trust in just anything or anyone. God likes a skeptic. He likes it when we demand evidence for our faith. He likes it when we ask questions. He likes it when we want to see proof. He likes that… because He is the kind of person who is willing to provide evidence.

So, the next time someone tries to tell you that faith involves a leap, make sure you tell them they’re mistaken. You should no more trust the God of the Universe without evidence than you should move in with someone you met three days ago. For every relationship in life—and especially the most important one (with God)—you should require evidence and experience as a basis for your faith.

God is more than happy and willing to give it to you!