All across our Christian faith, we talk about trusting in God. But what does trusting in God really mean?
How do you define trust? The Webster’s dictionary describes it as a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or strength of someone or something.
The Bible tells us to trust God in all things:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV.
And although Jesus himself tells us to trust him. We as Christian believers lack so much trust. Ask yourself this question, if we trust God, then why do we fear?
I had to ask myself this question many times in my Christian walk, especially this last year, when the world was in chaos and turmoil. I was no exception. I, too, felt like I was in a deep hole that consumed me with crippling fear and worry.
For a while, I had not only lost my physical strength, but I had lost my spiritual strength as well. I was afraid to do anything because I was afraid of everything.
How did this happen to me? Why was this happening? Somehow, I allowed the surrounding situation to control my life and dictate my thoughts and the more I entertained those thoughts, the more fearful I became of the world surrounding me.
As time went by, I came to realize I was now in a full-blown spiritual battle with fear.
Fear had taken a grip on me, and it was fighting me really hard. I could not let me go of all my negativity and worry. The more I thought about my situations, the more I feared.
Where was my trust in God’s word and His promises? After all, I had been a Christian believer for so many years. I went through many trials in my life. God never failed me before. He brought me through them all. So why don’t I have the same trust now that I have had in the past? What happened to my faith?
There were times I felt so weak that I couldn’t even fight back. I would lift my hands as tears fell down my face. I muttered for God’s help.
I kept trying to remind myself. “I still believe that God’s word never fails. I still believe it is absolutely trustworthy. God will never fail to do exactly what he has promised”. So, why was I living with this crippling fear in my life? Why was he failing me now?
I questioned God so many times this past year. Why God? I know you can stop this with just one word from you. It can be over. “Why are you not setting me free I asked again”.
I thought there was no response, but in reality, I came to realize at a later time that God was at work, even when I didn’t see it. Even when I lacked trust, He was working. He was fighting for me. He was strengthening me. He is strong when I am weak. He will not forsake me ever!
God’s Word “says “ and we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) ESV
I knew this promise was real for me. But as I struggled with my emotions, as I struggled to fight back from the fear that was surrounding my life. I just couldn’t hear what God was saying to me. I was so consumed by worry.
We can often become spiritually blind when we go through difficulties, trials, and struggles. That was me!
I could not see God working or hear God’s voice because I was too busy hearing the voice of fear.
All along I was asking God to take away my fear, and all along He was telling me He had already given me the weapon to win my battle.
He had already given me the sword of the Spirit, His mighty word that could pierce through all my fears, worries, and negative thoughts.
In Hebrews 4:12 the Bible tells us: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (ESV)
I had many times of weakness, but I never gave up on God’s promises to me. I finally gave Him full control of my situation.
I believe it was then that I could hear His voice. He reminded me I was already free by the power of the cross. I felt he was telling me to put my faith into action by renewing my thoughts from the inside out with his mighty word, and all else would fall into place.
When I relied on his word daily and truly acknowledged that the word of God had the power to change my situation. I began to see change. I started to see God’s mighty hand working through His word in my life. That is when hope and trust began living in me again. I started to move forward in my life with God as my guide.
So I ask you, what does trusting God mean?
Trusting God means you continue to turn to Him. You continue praying, even when those prayers seem to have absolutely no effect. Through your tears, your pain, your doubts, never lose hope. Believe God can change the situation for your good. Believe He loves you and He will never leave you alone. You keep believing even if you don’t see it.
“For faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”(Hebrews 11:1 KJV)
We may not understand God’s big plan, but we should trust that He has one for us.
Remember to trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Even if it feels hopeless. You just keep believing because He is strong when you are weak and He will guide your paths.
Points to Ponder:
How can I trust God?
- Cast all your worries and cares on Him.
- Spend time in God’s word everyday so that the word of God may renew you from the inside out.
- Pray and believe. Prayer can change everything.
- Wait on the Lord and He will renew your hope and your strength.
- Know that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust Him for the outcome.
Trusting God will bless you with His peace. It will give you rest in Him. He is always in control, even when you don’t see it!
Trusting God means you put it all at His feet and believe that even if you can’t ..… He can and He will!
