Today, we are going to look at words and how they effect our lives.  First, let's look at two words that appear, often interchangeably, in numerous religious and spiritual expressions - faith and trust.

If one believes in God, it is said that they have 'faith.'  However, looking at God from a metaphysical standpoint, it is found that one's knowledge of God is based on 'trust.'

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines faith in a number of ways depending upn the context in which the word is used:


•   allegiance to duty or a person: loyalty. b (1): fidelity to one's promises (2): sincerity of intentions  2 a (1): belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2): belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1): firm belief in something for which there is no proof


Further, Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines the word 'trust' as:

•   assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b: one in which confidence is placed 

As you can see, the words faith and trust are somewhat interchangeable.   However, from the metaphysical point of view, faith and trust are decidely different.

Having faith is believing in something in which there is no absolute proof.  Trusting confidently is having an inner knowledge that provides the absolute proof to form the trust.  You may feel that we are simply talking semantics here, and yes, historically, the meanings of these two words at first glance make them appear similar.  Yet, from the heart, there is a big difference.

While both terms appear positive in nature, one is moreso than the other. This is not to say that having faith is inappropriate. It is simply that faith is just not enough.  Trust has more substance.  It is decisive.  It sets into motion an aura of confidence that permeates beyond a system of belief.  It speaks of knowledge that only we as individual beings can intimately signify. 

Faith and trust are personal words.  Many who have faith in God, also place their trust in God because they feel a measure of credibility in their chosen spiritual path and have personal, intimate knowledge of their relationship with God.

The difference is our attitude. When we speak of having faith, we are giving ourselves the subliminal message that we may be unsure, that we are hoping that our belief turns out to be our truth.  When we choose to trust in something, we become more in charge of our belief system.  Trusting is confidence and confidence displays knowledge gained through familiarity and experience.

Trust is a power charged word, as is the word knowledge.  Faith, hope and belief, while appearing to show positivity, may act in a counterproductive manner when used in our thinking process.

Let's take for instance the word 'believe'.  Could it be that we choose to believe in something because we do not know it to be true, so we merely .. believe?  Again, could it be that we choose to have faith in something because we do not yet have enough information to form a trust in it?  I ask you to ask these questions to yourself, because only you can make a finite decision on how you choose to present yourself to the world.

Don't wish for things.  Rather, trust that the Universe will provide for your needs because we are all united via the Collective Mind.  What thoughts you put out to the Universe are sent to this Collective Mind and returned to you as you wish.  So .. have trust that what you truly want is what you truly receive.

Hoping for something doesn't necessarily make it materialize.  It says that you want it, but don't really know how to get it, so .. you hope!  You've often heard that if you truly want something, you find a way to get it.  Hope doesn't bring what you want ... will and desire are the power words here that cause things to happen.  Instead of "I hope," be decisive and think .. "I will !"

Don't feel that you are going to do something or even worse, you are going to try to do something.  Just simply do it.  "Going to" and "try to" mean you are not sure about what it is you want to do. When you set your mind on your desire, you do it.

And, don't feel that things happen because they are meant to happen.  Know that you are in charge of your own life NOW -- 'now' being the operative word.  Trust that you can make it happen . now!

I propose that it is entirely conceivable to take control of our lives by making small alterations in the words that we choose to use.  Think about it.

A wise man once said ... "Place not your trust in faith, but rather your faith in trust." 

I'll close today's Lunar / Sun Day Serrmon with that thought.

Be blessed all.