God is Reliable

By Peter Crause

Psalm 9:10 and they that know your name will put their trust in you: for you, LORD, have not forsaken those that seek you.

Even though we live in a society of changing values and morals, there is still one thing that the general public still look for and require; reliability. A person or company that is unreliable is quickly avoided and left to their own devices once their values are discovered. Today, many businesses have this characteristic, but by clever and deceptive advertising are able to deceive prospective clients; tying them down to contractual obligations they later wish they never had signed. This evil practice is a major cause for businesses losing repeat business from current clients. We spend a lot of resources to acquire the things we want and need, and consequently, reliability of the product or service is desirable. Coupled with reliability is trustworthiness. If reliable, then trust can be expected to follow the person or institution we deal with.

What constitutes reliability? What feature is necessary for us to consider the person or institution reliable? Is reliability necessary and desirable in all areas and dealings? If unreliability is seen in any area, can we still safely express trust in other areas?

Reliability is evinced by delivering what was promised; by “coming through” – even when “cost overruns” occur. A promise should be as binding as a signed and sealed contract. If the service provider cannot deliver due to their own inefficiency or miscalculation, they should bear the brunt of the additional costs incurred and not pass it on to their clientele. What a wonderful society we would have if this were the practice.

In this world, the Lord is the only one who can be considered reliable in every area and facet of His dealings with mankind. If He has revealed something to us in His Word, we can fully place our confidence and trust in His promises. To go beyond what is revealed and expect delivery from the Lord is aberrant and we should not and cannot expect delivery of what is not promised. The terms of God’s contract are clear and precise.

Deut 29:29 The secret things belong to the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

What has been revealed to us is recorded in direct statement, precept, concept and principle in the scriptures – God’s covenant with mankind; especially His people. If you don’t read the contract you’ll never know what your rights and privileges are; nor what your obligations are!

God’s honor is His Name. He has given us record of His compound names to show us that He will meet every need we may have. He even made us worthy heirs when we had no rights or privileges to His will and testament. Not only has He provided for us in His will, but He also faithfully delivers what He promised time and again – proving His reliability and engendering trust towards Himself and His Word.

Sadly, the “heirs of salvation” so often lose-out on what has been provided for because of lack of knowledge of the provisions and terms of the contract.

Hosea 4:6 my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as a priest to me: seeing you have forgotten the Word of your God, I will also forget your offspring and self-effort. (Free paraphrase)

Our scripture reference in Psalm 9:10 identifies those who enjoy the Lord’s provisions:

- They that “know His name” – those who know that His Name reveals His character; His reliability and honor. Knowing His Name takes time and experience.

- Knowing Him engenders trust. In the beginning we need “a leap of faith” in the Lord. There is a song with these words: “…what He’s done for others; He’ll do for you…” Based on His revealed Word and dealings with other people like us, we can have faith to believe He’ll “come through” for us as well.

- This experiential knowledge comes from seeking Him – in His Word and in prayer. “You shall seek me and find me; when you search for me with your whole heart…”

As we “get to know Him” more and more, we experience His reliability; we can have our faith and trust increased – an ever increasing experience spiraling upward “till His face we see!” God is reliable! God is trustworthy! God is faithful! God is honest and pure! God does not and cannot lie – He never has and never will! We can safely entrust our all to Him; even when our natural mind rejects what we hear, read or see. Don’t expect to fly till you’ve learnt to walk!

“…but grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ…”