It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. Psalm 118: 8-9
A first-grade teacher once shared a story with me. It took place during the first week of class. One of her students was having a difficult time fitting in. Motivated by a desire to help that student, at recess time the teacher walked over to the little girl who was standing by herself.
The teacher began by making this offer: "Elizabeth, I want to be your friend. I will never tell any of your classmates anything we talk about if you don't want me to. I want you to know that you can always trust me." With thankful eyes, the little girl looked up and replied, "Gee, Mrs. Schultz, you're just like my dog."
That story has stayed with me. You see, I’m fairly sure most people wouldn’t think of those words as being a compliment. We like to be told we're handsome or pretty, smart or wise, rugged or athletic. Who wants to be told, “You're just like my dog”?
In contrast to what many might feel, my teacher friend commented she had never been given “higher words of praise.” She knew being someone whom a child considers to be accepting and worthy of trust, no matter what, is just about as good as it can get.
Did you ever wonder what Jesus might consider to be a high compliment? Would He be pleased when people call Him a “wise man”? Might He prefer it if we said He was a “prophet,” a “philosopher,” or a “miracle worker”? There is, I believe, nothing more pleasing to the Christ than for people to call Him, “Savior.”
Jesus is the Savior who was born to save us from our sins, to rescue us from damnation. Now, as our Savior, He promises to listen to us, to carry our burdens, to be by our side and do for us what we can’t do for ourselves. He is Someone who can be trusted, no matter what may happen to us.
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You for saving me, for listening to me, for being my trusted Savior and heaven-sent Friend. Help me to rely on You, no matter what comes my way. In Your Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 36 Daniel 1-2 Titus 1
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