Faith and trust in the Lord

Faith and trust in the Lord

There are certain events in our lives that have impacted upon us greatly; for example, the death of our parents or children while still young; separation of our parents; the failure of our crops; the collapse of business; laying off from jobs; destruction of our homes; etc. While we were always able to rally our own strength and abilities, these occurrences do shake our confidence deeply.

In spite of the assistance, advice and comfort given by well-meaning persons – friends and relatives – we are not sure where to turn. God, to many of us in such circumstances, seems so far away.

We go through life, day after day, without getting answers. Work challenges continue. We find ourselves discouraged and confused. But quietly, persistently, God has been speaking to us. He has been drawing closer to us. But, have we been listening? Have we opened up ourselves to Him?

We have to let go, yielding to God as fully as we know how. We must say, in effect, “Lord, I trust you; I fully believe in You; I want to be fully yours. I release myself to your care.” Thereafter, you can experience a new kind of peace, certain that God has accepted you just as you are – your intellectual hang-ups, your sense of unworthiness and all. God takes our cautious steps of faith and, in return, welcomes us with open arms. He is no longer distant. We are rightly related to Him.

As we look back, we can see a clear pattern. God had been at work for as long as we could remember to bring us back to Him – guiding the choices we had made, the friendships we developed. His hand had been on us all along. He never imposes or compels, but waits patiently for us to see our needs and respond. Even though we may have no idea how our life can be different, this first step of faith (Shraddha) – when we release ourselves  to God and to His care, can be a turning point in our lives.

Let us suppose your motor vehicle is giving you problems, you would want to take it to a reputable mechanic. Or, if you are suffering from serious health problems, you will seek the service of a good doctor. Or, if you want to build your house, you will seek a good carpenter. So it is the case with other areas of life. Whether it is in the areas of legal, health, mechanical, construction, you want a good lawyer, the best doctor, a reputable mechanic, or a reliable carpenter. As on the material, physical plane, so it is on the spiritual plane.

In times of happiness or distress, affluence or poverty, health or illness, young or old – at all times – we are advised to seek the service and protection of the best Performer – God. What can God do for us? What are His credentials? From the evidence around us, through the lives of relatives, friends, neighbors and others, we can all attest to the Nature of God – His unconditional Love, His Omnipotence – what we call His All-powerful-ness. He Himself assures us:

“To My devotees, who depend upon Me, I take up their burden and provide all facilities for their welfare.”  (Bhagavad Gita 9:22).

When the devotee takes one step to the Lord, the Lord takes three steps towards him.

“He clothes all that are naked,” says the Vedas. “He doctors all that are sick; through Him the blind see, and the cripple walks.” 

He says of Himself in the Rig Veda: “Just a fraction of Myself supports all that you behold”. 

“I stand supporting this entire universe by a fraction of My Power.”  (Gita 10:42)

God’s Credentials

In many passages from our Scriptures, God’s credentials – His Greatness and attributes – are mentioned. In these are to be found words to the effect, “To that God is my adoration; Him do I revere.” “To revere” means to hold in deep affection or great respect. With God, we show this affection and respect through worship and adoration – our Prayers, our Bhajans, our Poojaa, etc. Why do we adore or worship? Why do we pray?

Prayer is an effort to reach God. It assumes that there is a Superior Being, who not only hears our prayers, but has the power to answer and satisfy our needs. In time, our soul begins to yearn for the higher life and slowly we come to the presence of God, the source of peace and blessedness. Prayer soon becomes a way of life, and our every action becomes a dedication. The Lord cares for all His devotees. He loves us.

Your belief and faith – your shraddha and your vishwaasa in Him grow on account of His personal care and attention in your life.

“He who comes to Me to plead for My mercy, I will protect him. I shall not abandon anyone who seeks My protection, even though he has committed the most heinous crime. Anyone who takes refuge in Me, I blot out the sins of his past lives.”  (Sri Rama, Sundarkanda, Ramayana)

(Pandit Ramdial Balbadar is a prominent Aachaarya (Teacher) of Hinduism in Guyana. He is the compiler and author of many titles and has over 30 years experience in Pandits’ Training across Guyana. He is currently the President of the Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region 3).