Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 1/7/2011

Question
QUESTION: how does someone overcome a trust problem?

ANSWER: Thanks for writing, David.  I think you have to assume that humans will be human and that only God can be trusted completely.  Whether deliberately or not, even the best of people will disappoint each other.  Sometimes it's poor communication, sometimes stress reactions.  
   As a Christian, I can look forward to a future much better than I deserve, so any disappointment in this life can be treated as just a little blip compared to eons of perfect happiness.
   If you don't expect such a high standard of trustworthiness from others, it's easier to forgive them when they fail.  I figure if God can stand to put up with me, He can help me put up with people with whom I have a problem.  
   This may not be the positive answer you're looking for, so I apologize if this doesn't help.
   Sincerely,
   Priscilla

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: what about a trust problem with God?  thanks

Answer
I'm glad you wrote back, David.
   My advice is to pick your best alternative.  The explanation the Bible gives for all we see (microscopes and telescopes along with the naked eye) and feel (emotions, thought processes, values) makes a lot more sense than any alternative explanation.  Romans 1:19-20 "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has showed it unto them.  For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead;"
   Some people want Heaven on earth, but just as Adam and Eve were sent out of Eden so they could experience life guided by their own will and knowledge rather than guided by God, so we also can see the devastation of a blighted nature and society separated from our Creator.  God's mercy is that He gives us only a short lifetime to suffer this separation.  Through Jesus we can have real life, when we willingly surrender our sins that separate us from God, and receive an eternity without any of the mess we now see as a contrast to God's goodness (that we also see in this life).  In spite of the evidence of this contrast, in spite of God's loving sacrifice and powerful resurrection of Jesus, there are many people who choose their own way like Adam and Eve, rather than choose God's goodness (James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with Whom is no variableness"--completely trustworthy).  
   As I see it, you have a choice to throw your lot in with the One Who made the sun (which powers our world), or to stay on your own along with the majority of people.  Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it."  It's a no-brainer to me, (you and I definitely do not have any part of the sun's creation or keeping it going) but it is EASIER to go along with the crowd and praise the emperor's "new clothes."  
   I pray that you decide correctly who is more trustworthy, you or God.