Where is God When I Need Him?
Self-Deception and Trust
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There is a dimension of faith that consists of simply trusting in the Word of God that reminds us that when we feel worthless, God does not regard us with such negativity. In his eyes, we are actually priceless treasures, precious to him beyond estimation. This expression of trust is simply believing that the most talented, popular people in the world are no more lovable in God’s eyes than we are in our plainness and ordinariness. The Lord watches over us no less than over the most saintly person. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. . . . So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Mt 10:29-31).
By this unique form of trust, we can come to recognize with unwavering certitude that we are valuable in God’s eyes, even with our weaknesses and illnesses. He knows everything about us (see Mt 10:30), including our desires (see Ps 37:4). Moreover, he has a strategy in mind for each of us: “‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jer 29:11). He does not judge us because of what we can or cannot do (see Eph 2:8, 9).
Jesus declared that all he did and said came from the One who sent him (see Jn 7:16). Hence, God works through Jesus and therefore he views us through the person of Jesus, whose presence permeates us, for he said, “Remain in me and I will remain in you” (Jn 15:6). Thus, we can trust God to focus on the Christ presence within us, as he echoes his own words of affirmation: “You are my beloved son whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mk 1:11). That kind of trust, gilded with humility, will preclude every form of self-deception.
This excerpt is from the book Pathways of Trust, by John H. Hampsch,C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and tapes can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408.
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About the Author
The Rev. John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., ordained as a Catholic priest in 1952, is a member of the Claretian Missionaries, and is founder and director of the Claretian Teaching Ministry. Listed in Who’s Who in Religion in America, he has served as parish priest, seminary professor and rector, college professor, lecturer, magazine writer, newspaper columnist, editor, retreat master, hospital chaplain, prison chaplain, campus chaplain, Cursillo director and director of suicide prevention programs in Texas and California.
He earned degrees in philosophy from Loyola-Marymount University in Los Angeles and from Notre Dame University, with postgraduate work at the University of Southern California and the Dominican House of Studies in River Forest, Illinois, in ascetical and mystical theology.
Find his many books and audio/visual recordings at www.Catholicbooks.net
