Where Have I Placed My Trust in this Life?

Book 3, Chapter 59: All Hope and Trust is to be Fixed in God Alone.
Chapter Focus: Thomas ends Book III with a running prayer of praise for God’s goodness and power. Opening the chapter with a poetic song of trust and companionship, Thomas glorifies God’s presence in the disciple’s daily walk of faith: The disciple would rather be with God than enjoy comforts or pleasures, calling us to praise God in all things: the bad and the good, knowing that God ultimately desires our well-being and companionship. All of our trust and hope should be placed in God – especially during troubling times, to the point that the disciple prays for tribulations if God is present in the tough times.

This chapter reminded me of Book II, Chapter 2 (https://www.timothyedmoore.com/humble-submission/), where Thomas says:
“Because God knows the time and the best way to deliver you, you must resign yourself to Him. God will help you as He chooses, and at the same time will deliver you from confusion. In keeping us humble it is often helpful when others know and holds us accountable for our faults.”

The parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man also came to mind as I read:
“I would rather be poor for Your sake, than rich without You.” There’s a lot of trust going on here between the disciple and God. But trust ebbs and flows with intimacy of relationship. Like the Rich Man, the great divide widens when we do not pay attention to God’s presence in our midst, and closes as we enter the bosom of Abraham (Lk 16:19-31). Lazarus does not abandon his faith even in his poverty, whereas the Rich Man cannot fathom such intimacy, and therefore does not trust God – rather seeks to have Abraham and Lazarus do his bidding even from hell. When in doubt, be like Lazarus!

Thomas ends with a prayer asking God to bless his body as the Temple of the Lord.

Chapter 59, In Short.

1. Lord, where have I placed my trust which I have in this life?
2. While all seek their own profit, God aims for my salvation and turns all things to my good.
3. I put all my hope and my refuge in You, O Lord God.
4. When God is absent from my life, everything which seems to be for our peace and happiness is nothing.
5. May the Lord bless and sanctify my soul with heavenly blessing so that it may become His holy habitation.

Scripture Memory Prayer: “For my eyes are upon You, O Lord, my Lord; in You I take refuge; do not take away my soul.” (Ps 141:8).
Question: Where have I placed my trust which I have in this life?
Key Quote: Was I ever well without You, Lord? .

Chapter 59: All Hope and Trust is to be Fixed in God Alone.

The Disciple:
Lord, where have I placed my trust which I have in this life?
Or among of all the things which are seen under Heaven, where does my greatest solace rest?
Is it not You, O Lord my God, Whose mercies are without number?
Was I ever well without You, Lord?
Or did things ever go badly for me while You were near?
I would rather be poor for Your sake, than rich without You.
I choose rather to be as a pilgrim upon the earth with You than to possess Heaven without You.
Where You are, there is Heaven; and where You are not, behold there is death and hell.
You are all my desire, and therefore I must groan and cry and earnestly pray after You.
I cannot confide fully in anyone to give me ready help in my necessities, except You alone, O my God.
You are my hope, You are my trust, You are my Comforter, and You are most faithful in all things.

2. While all seek their own profit, You aim only for my salvation and my profit, and turn all things to my good (Rm 8:28). Even though You expose me to various temptations and adversities, still You ordain all this to my advantage, for You often choose to prove Your beloved disciples in a thousand ways. You ought to be loved and praised no less when proving us, than as if You were filling me full of heavenly consolations.

3. In You, therefore, O Lord God, I put all my hope and my refuge. On You I cast all my tribulation and anguish, because, when compared to You, I find all others to be weak and unstable. For many friends will not be of service to me, nor strong helpers be able to assist me. Not even prudent advisers will be able to give me useful answers or to console me with books from learned people. There is no precious substance to deliver, nor any secret and beautiful place to give shelter to me if You Yourself do not assist, help, strengthen, comfort, instruct, and keep me safe (1 Kg 3:5-12).

4. For all things which seem to be for our peace and happiness are nothing when You are absent, and in truth, contribute nothing to our happiness. You are the fountain of all good, and the fullness of Life, and the soul of eloquence. The strongest consolation of Your servants is to hope in You above all things. My eyes look to You, in You is my trust, O my God, Father of mercies (Ps 141:8).

5. Bless and sanctify my soul with heavenly blessing so that it may become Your holy habitation, and the seat of Your eternal glory. Let nothing be found in the Temple of Your divinity which may offend the eyes of Your majesty. Look upon me according to the greatness of Your goodness and the multitude of Your mercies and hear the prayer of Your poor servant, far exiled from You in the land of the shadow of death. Protect and preserve the soul of Your poor servant amid so many dangers of this corruptible life, and by Your grace accompanying me, direct my life by the way of peace to its home of perpetual light. Amen.