Trust

<<reliance>>

This is the firm dependence on the ability, reliability or truth of something or someone. We exercise this attitude in everyday life, being confident of the outcome – for example, believing a chair will support us or the plane will arrive safely. Trust is the basis of any relationship and it is earned and strengthened by fulfilling promises but destroyed when they are broken.

ongoing attitude of trust, allowing the Bible to direct us so we can obey Him and co-operate, making wise decisions and attempting to do great things with God.

God never lies, fails to fulfill His promises or forsakes those who trust in Him with a confidence that He will do what we can’t do ourselves – this includes forgiveness of sins, making us right with God and empowering us to live the way He wants us to live (Num 23:19; Ps 9:10, 89:34; Rom 3:22, 5:1; Phil 4:13; Heb 13:5; 1 Jn 1:9). Thus it is logical to trust in this all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful, gracious, merciful, loving God who has good intentions for us, rather than relying on ourselves or other sinful, unpredictable, unreliable people with limited wisdom who regularly make bad choices and are swayed by emotions. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid or troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (Jn 14:1). David’s attitude was “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Ps 56:3). Similarly the more we know Christ through vital, daily fellowship the greater the intimacy and certainty we also can trust Him. Paul said, “I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him” (2 Tim 1:12).

he faced, stating, “Even though He should kill me yet I will trust in Him” (Job 1:20-22, 13:15). Remembering what God has done for us in the past helps to keep our trust intact when facing the unknown future, enabling us to be like David who said, “Because the Lord is at my right hand I will not be shaken”. His faith was firmly anchored and unmoved by any adverse circumstance (Ps 16:8, 62:6, 125:1; Heb 6:19). The Bible’s counsel is, “Cast all your cares on God for He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7).

Genuine trust holds on to His promises, even when we don’t understand His plans and in spite of contrary circumstances, declaring into the spirit realm, “In you Lord I put my trust” (Ps 25:1,2). Delays test our obedience and patience. When nothing seems to be happening we may, like Abraham or Saul, be tempted to take matters into our own hands, however this just creates problems (Gen 16:1-5; 1 Sam 13:8-14). The Bible counsels, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He will do it” rather than trying to force the situation by your own limited resources, ability and effort, resulting in worry, fear, stress and complaining through battling alone. This only prevents us from receiving His best (Ps 25:9, 37:3-5, 44:5-8; Prov 3:5,6; Heb 3:19). Trust is the confidence that He has a better plan if my prayers are not answered my way.

God promises to keep those who trust in Him in ‘perfect peace’ at all times, making it clear it is far better to put our trust in Him than money (Ps 62:8; Prov 16:20, 28:25, 29:25; Isa 12:2, 26:3; 1 Tim 6:17). Trust God in the dark times of life and you will be abundantly rewarded and blessed, and when you look back you will see how God has sovereignly worked in your life (Gen 50:20; Rom 8:28).

Bible makes some bold claims about itself. It states that it is the inspired Word of God (2 Tim 3:16). It claims that it is true and so we should consider that it is the guidebook for our lives (Ps 119:9,11,105,160; Lk 4:4; Jn 17:17). Of the hundreds of predictions and prophecies in the Bible, the majority have already been fulfilled precisely as God has declared, and so we can confidently believe the remainder will be kept too. His Word has given us ample evidence that it can be trusted, and those who do trust the Bible have a solid foundation upon which to build their lives (Mt 7:24-27).

Scripture also uses several related words with similar meanings:
Belief is the sense of acceptance that something is true or accurate, such as belief in God. Hope is an optimistic attitude that something will happen in the future, based on expectations or desire. Faith involves seeing the possibilities, having the reliance that something is real even if there is no direct evidence. The foundation of them all is the character of God and His total reliability.

See also: confidence, doubts, faith, hope, trustworthy.