Trust: A Trustworthy Man

While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, Come in, for you are a trustworthy man and bring good news. 1 Kings 1:42 (AMP)

King David was aging and many were wondering who he'd name as his successor to the Throne. 

Adonijah, a son of King David, thought for sure he'd be king. In fact, he was so assured, that he called all his friends together, had a big party and declared himself king! 

So picture this. Adonijah is surrounded by all his friends as they celebrate that he is now king. And then enters Jonathan with some news. 

At parties, we all expect great and good news. It's a happy occasion! Time to celebrate! So, when Adonijah hears Jonathan has come with news, he invited Jonathan in to share in the excitement. Notice what Adonijah says about Jonathan.... "you are a trustworthy man". That is key here. 

Jonathan didn't have to tell Adonijah the news. Jonathan could have made up something else to tell Adonijah. Yet, Jonathan was a trustworthy man. Jonathan knew that Adonijah needed to hear the news—no matter what it was. 

Adonijah is waiting to hear great news ... Jonathan replied, Adonijah, truly our lord King David has made Solomon king! (1 Kings 1:43)

Upon hearing the news the mood at the party changes. The party goers disperse very quickly and Adonijah, fears for his life. 

"You are a trustworthy man." Adonijah, didn't like what he heard, but he knew it came from a reliable source. 

A trustworthy man. One who speaks the truth even when it's difficult. One who has a reputation for honesty. A trustworthy man. 

That's a great testimony of Jonathan—a trustworthy man. Even in a difficult situation, Jonathan remained trustworthy. Being trustworthy does not change based on any given situation. Nor does it change because it's "hard". Remaining trustworthy is the right thing—24/7. 

Being trustworthy is easier when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). A true reverence and respect for God is where trustworthiness begins. 

Not Just on the Difficult Days

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 111. Here is what I learned.

He has declared and shown to His people the power of His works in giving them the heritage of the nations [of Canaan]. Psalm 111:6 (AMP)

He has ·shown [proclaimed to] his people ·his power [the power/strength of his deeds] when he gave them the ·lands [inheritance] of other nations [the conquest]. Psalm 111:6 (EXB)

"He hath shewed his people the power of his works." They have seen what he is able to do and what force he is prepared to put forth on their behalf. This power Israel saw in physical works, and we in spiritual wonders, for we behold the matchless energy of the Holy Ghost and feel it in our own souls. 

In times of dire distress the Lord has put forth such energy of grace that we have been astonished at his power; and this was part of his intent in bringing us into such conditions that he might reveal to us the arm of his strength. 

Could we ever have known it so well if we had not been in pressing need of his help? We may well turn this verse into a prayer and ask to see more and more the power of the Lord at work among us in these latter days. O Lord, let us now see how mightily thou canst work in the saving of sinners and in preserving and delivering thine own people. "That he may give them the heritage of the heathen." He put forth all his power to drive out the Canaanites and bring in his people. Even thus may it please his infinite wisdom to give to his church the heathen for her inheritance in the name of Jesus. Nothing but great power can effect this, but it will surely be accomplished in due season. The Treasury of David

It’s easy to ignore what God is really doing during the “good times”. When we are accomplishing things “on our own”. However, as soon as we hit a difficult spot, we quickly turn to God to rescue us. We turn God into our “bail bondsman”. We want God to rescues us from our trouble, and too often once we are “free” from our difficulties, we quickly forget what God did. 

Yes, God is there in times of distress, but God is also present during the great times. God shows His power and strength on a daily basis—am I noticing what God is doing? 

To create a positive day, I need to notice God’s power and His amazing works—each and every day, and not just on the difficult days.

Exercise Gratitude Repeatedly

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 67. Here is what I learned.

God! Let people thank and enjoy you.  Let all people thank and enjoy you. Psalm 67:5 (MSG)

God, the people should ·praise [thank] you; all people should ·praise [thank] you. Psalm 67:5 (EXB)

The repetition shows that this was the principal thought in the mind of the author of the psalm. It expresses an earnest - an intense - desire, that all nations should acknowledge God as the true God, and praise him for his mercies. Barnes' Notes on the Bible 

Let the people praise thee, O God! Having spoken of all nations participating in the saving knowledge of God, he next tells us that they would proclaim his goodness, and exhorts them to the exercise of gratitude. The repetition used clearly shows of itself that he alludes to an event of a new and unprecedented kind. Calvin's Commentary

Exercise of gratitude. Repetition. I like the picture that creates. We know that physical exercise is a set of repetitions to build up strength and flexibility, not to mention remain healthy. The same can be true of “gratitude exercise”, for repetitions of expressing praise will build up our spiritual strength and help our souls to remain healthy. 

Good trainers know that you can’t just exercise one time and then call it quits, because well you did exercise. To be effective, exercise must be done often and with increases resistance in order to continue to be beneficial. 

Exercising gratitude may begin with praising God for the good things, that’s easy. But exercising gratitude in the midst of something you don’t understand or as you go through a difficult situation—that will strengthen your soul. Because no matter the situation, you know that God is worthy of praise. 

To create a positive day, I need to exercise gratitude repeatedly!