Paul here, explaining why he is content in his sufferings, gives one of the most profound definitions of faith. He tells Timothy that he KNOWS who he believes. He knew who Jesus Christ was, and it was in this knowledge that He was able to portray such confidence. With that knowledge, He was convinced that Jesus would indeed be able to keep that which He had given to Him. Christ was the one who above all could protect Paul’s treasures until the day of judgment.

What was it that Paul had entrusted to the Lord? Well first and foremost it was his soul. Paul knew that God would safely protect his soul from all who would try to destroy it. In Romans 8, Paul knows that there are dark powers out there, trying to destroy the followers of God. He also knows that with God he is able to become more than conqueror over those trying to destroy him (Romans 8:37). Yet in order to have God guard his soul, Paul also had to trust Him with more than that. Paul had to give his life. All his decisions were based on what the Lord’s will for him might be. Where he went. What he did. What he abstained from. There was no part of his life that was left unturned. He had to trust God’s will in all of his life.

What about us? Do we know on whom we believe? Are we convinced that He is able to guard and protect us? Do we entrust ourselves to Him each and every day? The truest idea of faith is that we trust God. We have to trust him more than we trust ourselves. What we want and desire may not always be the best for us, or for our souls. When our thoughts and God’s thoughts are at conflict, whose will we trust more?