What about Jesus?

Can I trust in him . . .

from JoeUser Forums
God and Jesus.

I suppose these two words are intended to be synonyms. I mean, if you believe in the Trinity (which I do), these separate beings are One. Unfortunately, Jesus is generally portrayed as the more loving, accepting face of God. I can visualize myself crawling into the lap of my Savior when I've screwed up, but God seems more stand-offish and offended by my sin. I'm currently struggling with trust, and this morning I heard an old hymn on the radio. The words rang fresh in my ears, and although I wish I could say I believe the lyrics wholeheartedly, I don't. In those fleeting moments when I have trusted Jesus, life is sweet. But these instances are rare, and most days I spin my wheels banking on my own efforts to improve my circumstance. God seems distant and inconsistent.

The last line of the hymn struck a chord in my heart. "Oh, for grace to trust Him more . . . " Maybe this trust thing isn't something I can conquer. Perhaps the mercy of Christ is the only thing that will usher in this confidence I so desperately want.

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know “Thus saith the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
misc
6,570 views 13 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
I don't think of them as complete synonyms...maybe they represent the same thing, but I have always viewed them as different entities.

~Zoo
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
I don't think of them as complete synonyms


Is there such a thing as incomplete synonyms? Again . . . I've arrived at a paradox. Ggrr fist!
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
Do you suppose it can be just an act of the will? In other words when it's hard to be there, just decide to be there anyway? Maybe that's when we see and feel that Grace you speak of.

Sort of like Job. I think of him when he said, "Tho he slay me, yet will I trust him." He just made a conscious decision to do so even when it was hard.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
an act of the will


just decide to be there anyway


He just made a conscious decision


So you're saying it's up to me huh?
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
So you're saying it's up to me huh?


God gives us the tools we need but it's up to us to use them....so yes. We need to exercise our spiritual muscles don't you think?

Speaking of hymns? Are you familiar with the hymn....Trust and Obey as well?
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Are you familiar with the hymn....Trust and Obey as well


Yes. I grew up in an intolerant, unaccepting church that taught that obedience far outweighed all other spiritual disciplines.

God gives us the tools we need but it's up to us to use them....so yes


Do easy answers every iritate you?

* I'm aware I may come off as a little bitter here. I'm really not. Just searching for truth sprinkled with a little love.
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
They irritate the *?!@ out of me!!


Yeah! A new blogging buddy! And where can I locate your vent fest?
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
It seems, my friend, that we are on a very rocky road indeed. Is this really what we signed up for?

B~
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top

I believe in Trinity too.'

Trinitie

 

Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
Yes. I grew up in an intolerant, unaccepting church that taught that obedience far outweighed all other spiritual disciplines


well obedience to God is not a bad thing but if you're talking being in a legalistic church, they are out there and do a lot of harm. Obedience to God cannot be forced by the externals. It has to be an internal desire to obey out of love we have for him.

I'm aware I may come off as a little bitter here. I'm really not. Just searching for truth sprinkled with a little love.


ya, I sense some hostility here. I think you're on the right track if you are searching for such things tho. I do my best to speak the truth in love. Sometimes it's not appreciated because for some they want the love, but not the truth. We need both. Then there are those that speak the truth but have no love behind it. That's what you seem to be describing in the church you once attended. There are chuches out there that have a good balance but you have to search for them.



Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
I believe in Trinity too


I cease to be amazed by your cleverness!
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top

cough*sarcastic remark*cough

Trinitie