Trust issues are a continuing problem in our world, negatively impacting marriages, families, businesses, educational institutions, and sadly even churches. Although there is a heightened awareness of this problem, truthfully there’s nothing at all new about it.
In fact, trust issues date back to the Garden when Adam and Eve doubted God’s goodness, severing their trust relationship with Him. And ever since that time, humanity has struggled with trusting one another, and most critically, trusting God. But God had a plan from the beginning to restore this big mess, and His plan was Jesus.
Trust Also in Me
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus spent intimate time alone with His disciples. This was critical as He would soon be leaving the world. Jesus shared with His friends that He would be betrayed, arrested, condemned, and ultimately crucified. But unfortunately, they could not understand His words. So, Jesus spoke to their confusion saying, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me” (John 14:1 NLT).
These words were not spoken as a rebuke or a command, but rather as a compassionate invitation to relinquish doubt and embrace trust.
Jesus Can Be Trusted
The essence of trust is placing confidence in someone or something. Because of this, it’s critical to know the facts about the person or the thing we place our trust in. And when it comes to trusting Jesus, the facts about Him are recorded in Holy Scripture.
He is in fact the Son of God, the Word of God, the Truth, the Life, and the Way to forgiveness. He is also the path to freedom, healing and wholeness. Ultimately, He is the One who conquered death on our behalf. And He is the One who will return! He is Jesus. He is God. And He can be trusted.
Total Trust
Total trust means complete trust as there is no such thing as partial trust. The truth is we either trust in something or we don’t. Anything less than total trust is a form of doubt, which is the opposite of trust.
In the third chapter of Proverbs, King Solomon provided a clear description of trust, and specifically, trust in God. He said we should trust God with all our heart (vs 5). He continued by saying we should turn from independence to God dependence (vs 5 & 6). And he concluded by sharing the reward of trusting God in this way results in divine direction (vs 6)!
Trusting God is not an exemption from problems, but rather a supernatural strength to endure challenges.
Five Benefits from Trusting God
The Scriptures are replete with the many reasons to trust God, beginning with the fact that He is God, and therefore trustworthy. But additionally, trusting in Him results in many personal benefits.
The following are five of my personal favorites:
1. Trusting God is a positive response to fear.
Trusting God does not minimize fear; instead, it maximizes God, reminding us He is greater than our fear.
“[W]hen I am afraid, I will put my trust in you…I trust in God, so why should I be afraid.” Psalms 56:3-4 NLT
2. Trusting God results in blessing.
While we are free to place our trust in anything or anyone, how much greater it is to place our trust in God and receive His blessing!
“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust….” Psalm 40:4 ESV
3. Trusting God increases spiritual and physical strength.
Trusting God is not an exemption from problems, rather a supernatural strength to endure challenges.
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NLT
4. Trusting God inspires praise.
Seeing God as an unfailing source of strength and protection deepens our trust in Him, resulting in heartfelt praise.
“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalms 28:7 NLT
5. Trusting God fosters peace.
And finally, trusting God empowers us to experience His perfect peace regardless of circumstances.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV
So perhaps today, take some time for intentional gratitude, thanking Jesus for His compassionate invitation and for the amazing benefits that result from trusting in Him.
Extend grace to others!
If you’ve been encouraged, strengthened, or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes for You with a friend.
Community Question of the Week
How would you describe trusting God with all your heart? Be specific. Encourage others with your words HERE!
Pray
Jesus, I am so grateful for your compassionate invitation to trust you. Thank you that trusting in you relieves fear, results in blessing, increases strength, inspires praise, and fosters peace! You are a faithful God! I confidently place my trust in you alone. Amen!
What a great read! Thank you for sharing, I needed this today!
Thanks so much for your encouragement Jennifer! I’m so blessed to know that this post spoke to you personally!