To trust is to believe in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. So, when it comes to trusting God, it means to believe in His reliability, His Word, His ability, and His strength. God always keeps his promises, and He will not lead us astray. Trusting in Him means believing what He says about himself, about the world and about you is true.
As Christians we must trust God even when times are uncertain. Trusting God is more than a feeling, it is a choice to have faith in what He says even when your feelings and circumstances would have you believe something different. Circumstances and feelings can change at any moment. God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and therefore is worthy of your trust.
It is easy to say that we trust God, but how do we honestly trust Him in times like we are in today? If you trust someone, you feel comfortable being honest with them about anything. God is much more reliable that even your most trustworthy friend. When things feel difficult, He doesn’t ask you to keep those feelings to yourself. In 1 Peter 5:7, God’s word tells us to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.”
Because God loves you, you can show your trust in Him by talking about all your feelings and circumstances with Him. The good and the difficult things can be shared with Him in prayer. God is not disappointed or frustrated by your struggles, doubts or pain. He cares about you and you can trust Him with the difficult things.
When you trust, you go to God and His word when life is hard. You also act on obedience and trust that He will ultimately take care of the rest. If you trust God, then you are not to look for security in other things. You trust God to hold you in all circumstances. This is so hard for us to do yet God is kind and patient with us while we learn to trust Him. Mark 14:34-36 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He said to them. “stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Even Jesus was overwhelmed by what was before Him, and he went straight to His Father. He cares for your hurts. He pays attention. How comforting it is to know that the God of the universe is also paying attention to you. Knowing that God is for you will strengthen your trust in Him during these times of hardship and the unknown.
Here are seven practical ways to trust God in your everyday life:
1. Seek Truth in Scripture
2. Confess unbelief (Mark 9:24)
3. Share your concerns with others (Philemon 1:6)
4. Remember God and spend time with Him
5. Look for things to be grateful for (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
6. Walk in the Holy Spirit
7. Wait on the Lord
Pastor Dan