What Can I Trust? Finding Hope in Uncertain Times

Answering Life’s Greatest Questions: Finding Truth in a Confused World

Introduction

IN an article from Good News Unlimited by Dr. Eliezer Gonzalez dated April 16,2023, I quote him with these words:

In recent times, I’ve heard people talk about their truth, as in “my truth” and about the truth of others as “their truth.” Implicit in this is the idea that that because it is “my truth” or “their truth” it is somehow inherently valid as a statement of truth.

Opinions have been elevated to truth and personal preferences have been elevated to rights. To challenge anyone’s “truth” now causes personal offense and seems to be a definite “no-no” in society. How did we ever get to such a point in society that no-one is ever wrong anymore because everyone is right?

In an article from Focus on the Family, The Focus Pastor by Lindy Keffer, Apr. 19, 2019 she says:

Whatever happened to the truth?! In our world, the idea of ultimate truth — something that is true at all times in all places and has relevance for our lives — is about as extinct as the dinosaur. In fact, nearly three out of four Americans say there is no such thing as ultimate, or absolute, truth. And the numbers don’t look much better among those who claim to follow Jesus.

In a society where ultimate truth is treated like a fairy tale, an outdated idea or even an insult to human intelligence, the motto of the day becomes, “WHATEVER!” Believe whatever you want. Do whatever seems best to you. Live for whatever brings you pleasure, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone. And of course, be tolerant. Don’t try to tell anyone that their whatever is wrong.

But where does that leave us? If we have ultimate truth, it gives us both a way to explain the world around us and a basis for making decisions. Without it, we’re alone. We’re just 6 billion organisms running around, bumping into each other with nothing unifying to work for or believe in. It’s every man for himself. And we’re without a purpose; if there’s no true story of where we came from and why we’re here, then there’s nothing that really gives our lives meaning. Sounds a little depressing, huh? And maybe frightening.

This morning we want to discover that there is something we can trust in. There is someone we can trust in and His name is Jesus. Amen.

Turn in your Bibles or follow along with me on the screen.

Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 15:13

Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Romans 15:13 NKJV

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Message

Trust in God’s Sovereignty

A. God’s Plans Are Good (Jeremiah 29:11)

B. God Works for Our Good (Romans 8:28)

Illustration: A tapestry's underside appears chaotic, but the top reveals a beautiful design.

Application: Encourage reliance on God’s character when circumstances seem uncertain.

Trust in God’s Promises

A. His Word is Reliable (Isaiah 40:8)

B. His Promises are Fulfilled in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Illustration: The trustworthiness of a bridge to hold us reflects trusting God’s promises.

Application: Memorize a promise from Scripture to meditate on during hard times.

Trust in God’s Presence

A. He is With Us Always (Matthew 28:20)

B. He is Our Refuge (Psalm 46:1)

Illustration: The peace a child feels when a parent is near in the dark.

Application: Spend intentional time in prayer, acknowledging God’s presence daily.