Lutheran Daily Devotional 22nd May 2023 – Trust in the Lord

“Let me not be put to shame.” Unbelievers may mock the Christian claim that salvation is found only through faith in Jesus. Others sometimes dismiss our beliefs, claiming that what is “true” for us does not have to be “true” for them. They may simply deny any need for salvation. Whatever the world around us may or may not believe, we confess the truth of our faith in Jesus. We do not need to be ashamed of bearing the Name of Christ: “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that Name” (1 Peter 4:16).

There is another kind of shame, something more personal. We may struggle with sin and guilt and with thoughts, words, and actions of which we are ashamed. That kind of shame becomes a very heavy burden. Even if no one else sees or knows that shame, we know it and we may be afraid because God knows it, too. It is the fearful shame known by Adam and Eve when they ate the fruit forbidden to them. “The eyes of both were opened” and they recognized their shame before one another and before God (Genesis 3:7a).

The psalmist’s answer to shame, whether from our opponents or found within ourselves, is trust. “O my God, in You I trust … none who wait for You shall be put to shame.” We trust in our Lord Jesus Christ, who bore our guilt and shame in His own body on the cross. He hung helpless, dying a shameful death as His enemies exulted over Him. Yet Jesus put His trust in His Heavenly Father as He prayed, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46b). It was the mocking triumph of Jesus’ enemies that was put to shame. The Savior’s trust was fulfilled when, on the third day after His death, the Father raised His Son to life in victory over sin, death, and the devil.

Opponents of our faith may still seek to shame us for our beliefs. Sometimes we will feel the heavy burden of our own guilt. At such times we pray with the psalmist, “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust.” We place our trust in our Lord Jesus, who died and rose to take away our guilt and shame. Our sins are forgiven and are forever removed from the sight of God. Trust in the Lord. None who wait for Him shall be put to shame.

WE PRAY: “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.” Amen. (Psalm 31:5).

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you find it hard in general to trust other people? Why?

2. Why is there such simple power and peace in just trusting God when life is tough?

3. What do you do when you feel you are mocked or put down because of your faith?

Today’s Bible Readings: Psalms 7-8, John 7:28-53