There’s a scene in the Disney movie Aladdin, where princess Jasmine is on the palace balcony and Aladdin invites her to go for a ride on his magic carpet.  She asks, “Is it safe?” To which Aladdin replies “sure.” He extends his hand and asks, “Do you trust me?” She replies, yes, takes his hand and he whisks her off as they fly through the night sky singing one of the movie’s signature songs “A whole new world.”

Jafar, the sultan’s most trusted advisor in the kingdom, is thirsty for power and control and does all he can to break trust, and cause division. He is a power-hungry sorcerer with the memorable catchphrase “You will obey me!” His insatiable greed ultimately leads to his downfall.

Trust is a powerful word packed with plenty of deep and rich meaning. Trust, believe, and faith in the bible all come from the same Greek root words and are often used interchangeability. The word trust means to have confidence in, to entrust, to hope in, to commit to. It also takes on the meaning to have assurance in, to believe in. Other words that describe trust include reliable, active believing, conviction, firm persuasion, faith, and full reliance on.

In the fallen world we live in, trust can so easily be broken. It takes a lifetime to build and maintain and can be lost in a matter of seconds through thoughtless words, broken promises, a violation of integrity, or hurtful actions. Countless lives have been left in shambles as a result of a breach in trust. Once lost it can be exceedingly difficult to regain.

As I continue my journey toward rest and life balance, I am convinced true rest is totally connected to and dependent upon trust. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 The Psalms are filled with songs of trust. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  Psalm 91:1-2. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Psalm 37:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Isaiah 26:3 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7

He is worthy of our trust and is absolutely “safe.”  When it comes to finding true rest in life it all comes down to trust. If you want physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual rest. Don’t allow the Jafars in this world to deceive you. Don’t give in to or obey their voices allowing them to steal your joy. Instead, trust in God alone. He is worthy of your confidence, commitment, faith, and trust.

The beginning of a new year is just a few days away. Is The Lord perhaps nudging you to take the first step to restore and rebuild relationships where trust has been broken? It’s a risky move but it’s the right move. We should be quick to forgive and release others and make every effort to regain trust. Even more important as 2025 approaches do you sense Him saying, “Will you and do you trust Me?” If your answer is yes, there is a whole new world awaiting you.

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