Have Faith in God by James Ryle

And Jesus answering saith unto them, “Have faith in God.” (Mar 11:22)

I thank God for the days of my childhood. Yes, I was placed in an orphanage by my mother when I was six years old, and yes the place was cold and ominous. And, yes, there were many shameful experiences at the hands of cruel and unqualified adults.

On the other hand, however, I was afforded a very unique and individual upbringing, which has shaped much of my life to this very day. Anytime an ordinary person is placed in extraordinary circumstances, there is a great story in the making.

The place was quite large and almost overwhelming to me.

As a small boy I was immersed in bigness, which made it easy for a me to believe in big things.

I ate breakfast every morning in a large cafeteria filled with almost 1200 kids. Life in the dorms and on the campus was always bustling with crowds. To this day I am very much “at home” in the midst of the hustle bustle; and crowds don’t bother me at all.

My experiences in the orphanage church also provided me a most particular opportunity to know God as a young boy. I remember the hymns more than anything else, because the poetry of the lyrics played straight to my artful soul. It is hard to say even now which of the old hymns is my favorite, for I cherish so many.

But here’s one that has always stayed with me thorugh thick and thin. It was written by B. B. McKinney, a prolific lyricist who penned such classics as “Let Others See Jesus in You” (1924), “Breath On Me” (1937), and “Wherever He Leads I’ll Go” (1937). One of my favorite is “Have Faith in God” (1934). Read it prayerfully and let its encouraging message reach deep into your soul today. For God is big, and is in the business of doing big things — especially when we listen to and obey the still, small voice.

Have Faith in God

    Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely.
    He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
    Never alone are the least of His children;
    Have faith in God, have faith in God.

    Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered,
    Your earnest plea He will never forget;
    Wait on the Lord, trust His word and be patient,
    Have faith in God. He’ll answer yet.

    Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow,
    His heart is touched with your grief and despair;
    Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him,
    And leave them there, oh, leave them there.

    Have faith in God though all else fall about you;
    Have faith in God, He provides for His own:
    He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish.
    He rules. He reigns upon His throne.

    Have faith in God, He’s on His throne,
    Have faith in God, He watches over His own;
    He cannot fail, He must prevail,
    Have faith in God, Have faith in God.

Jesus says in four words what proves to be the single greatest need of every soul — “Have faith in God.” There is no situation He cannot handle, there is no problem He cannot solve, there is no challenge He cannot overcome.

Have faith in God.

When you consider the alternatives, the choice becomes even more compelling and clear. Some put their faith in Money, only to see it fail in the economic upheavals of unstable times. Some place their faith in Government, only to be disappointed once again by big campaign promises being broken, and back-room deals remaining the stock and trade of carnal men trying to govern without a clue.

Some people put their faith in themselves, but this proves to be the ultimate mistake — for the smallest package is a person totally wrapped up in him or herself. Some put their faith in others, but time and time again are let down as life hands them one unforeseeable setback after another.

Some put their faith in religion, and practice dutifully all that is required of them by the tenets of their particular ideology. They feign peace and contentment, but seethe with resentment and loathing for those who do not subscribe to their beliefs.

And on and on it goes. Let me ask, What is it that you have faith in these days?

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.They are brought down and fallen; but we are risen, and stand upright” (Psalm 20:7,8). Do not put your faith in anything, or anyone other than God.

“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

I can name that tune in four notes: “Have faith in God.”