12 Days of Christmas: Faithfulness and Trust

"Woman's Best Friend"

Many of us are pet lovers. It seems no matter what we do with our animals--like not petting them 24 hrs/day or forgetting to put food out--they remain faithful to us. They come back time and time again for more affection. They wait at the door for us to come home, tails wagging. They willingly play with us indoors and outdoors. Even if they temporarily runaway, they eventually return. 


Surviving a Crash
Oh, if that kind of faithfulness was true of human beings! A famous TV doctor said, "You/we can't change what you/we don't acknowledge." So, here we are to gently say we know it is excruciatingly difficult to speak of faithfulness and trust after the collision we went through in our past relationship. But, for our own nurturing, let's try.

No one goes to the altar expecting anything less than a marital bond that exhibits true and constant support and loyalty. Promises kept. Deserving trust. It's supposed to happen this way. And then it doesn't. Every couple is different and unique in their own way. So, the answers of why it didn't work are as numerous as the stars and requires more professional help than we can offer here. But wait! We can explore where it has taken us and how to advance our future, which is all that's important at this point.      

Danger! 4-Way Intersection Ahead
We have arrived at the intersection of life. We may be stalled there and not know which direction to go. Panic wants to take control of the wheel.

• Left - turn this way and we slam right into Fear. It holds us back from merging onto the highway of life. It keeps us in bed all day. It causes us to avoid people. It justifies our addictions. We stagnate. The engine just stops.

• Right - the opposite turn leads us into a newfound Trust in ourselves and others. We discover new truths and beliefs. We make an effort to connect with people who are encouraging and uplifting. We find our strength and resilience. We believe in our ability to thrive. 

• Behind - turn backwards and we sink into Depression. Our energy disappears. Our spirits fall. The "blues" become our only companion. We wallow in what could have and should have been. Our heart is sick and weighed down. It's an ugly place. 

• Straight Ahead - we have struggled through the storm and arrive at a place called Faith. We suddenly know something, or rather Someone, is waiting for us. Darkness turns to light. Happiness appears and introduces us to its twin, Joy. We learn how to recognize those who are trustworthy, loyal and true. We become optimistic about our futures.

Keeping Our Eyes Open
It's impossible to drive with blinders on our eyes. We will crash into things! And we will never get where we are going. So, we need a Guide, but not just anyone. Someone who IS the definition of true Faithfulness and Trust. He's on that road Straight Ahead. Did you know God never gives up on us? Never. He promises He won't and can be trusted to carry that out. He is faithful in every way and at all times. His love is unconditional. He is the One we have been looking for all along.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Galatians 5:22