Trying to Trust the Promises

Scripture: Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way that He has opened for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and since we have a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:19-23

Observation: The next verses of Hebrews discuss unity in the church - everyone continuing to have unity, meeting together, and having fellowship through their common bonds of both faith and faithful suffering they have endured together. However, these first verses are the personal foundation of that fellowship. The foundation is our faith and trust in the promises of salvation. Those promises are:

-- Salvation means entering eternity in heaven, the presence of God.
-- That salvation is secured by faith in Jesus as the messianic son of God.
-- The security of faith comes from belief in the promises associated with the messiah.
-- In times of trouble, we should reflect and trust even deeper upon those promises.

Application: I have yet to claim my "promises" in the bible. This I need to do.

Many people I know have such promises they hold onto ... some for their lives, and some for just a season. I tend to focus on instructions more than the promises. I look at corrections and guidance and contemplate how I must improve. The author of Hebrews is showing a better model. By this model, I should reflect on the promise of salvation, by those promises better understand my faith and trust in Jesus, and with that faith and trust obey his commands.

The key for me is trust. I have belief. I have faith. I even have joy. I struggle with trust. By claiming a promise, I would need to declare a trust in that promise. And the truth is, since I cannot see myself worthy of the promises, I can't claim them.

Prayer: My Lord and my God, I do not know why I struggle with this so greatly. I have received your blessings and help and healing and love so often. So why I struggle with trust, I do not know. I will begin looking for promises in your word that I can tie my hopes to, and seek to grow my trust in you. Please be patient with me, and please provide me with renewed strength. Amen.