How Can You Trust God?

Scriptures: Proverbs 3:5, Romans 3:4

Do you trust God?

Trust is a huge issue in all of our lives. Can we trust the government, big corporations, friends, parents, kids, mates, employees, or employers? Let’s face it—trust is an easy thing to lose and a hard thing to gain.

Do you have trouble trusting?

I did for sure, and it made life very difficult. I didn’t trust God, my dad, authority figures, or even myself. I felt so hurt by my dad and others. I built a large wall around my emotions. Eventually, I resorted to the abuse of drugs or alcohol to numb my pain until I found a better solution; a personal relationship with Jesus. 

The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;” (Proverbs 3:5, NIV).

Do you trust God this much? With all your soul? With all your mind and emotions? 

If we’re all going to be honest with each other, the answer is no. It’s embarrassing to admit, but we tend to look at God like we experienced our parents or caretakers. Our past experiences distort our vision and relationship with a trustworthy, personal, caring, and forgiving God. The Bible says about Him, “…Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: ‘So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.’” (Romans 3:4, NIV)

I want to encourage you to evaluate your relationship with God. Do you trust Him? Or have you removed your trust and faith in Him because He didn’t seem to answer your prayers? Could it be that you misjudged God? 

Tomorrow, let’s look at a few reasons for the common problem of unanswered prayer and the effect it has on our ability to trust God. Until then, I’m praying that you will discover He is so trustworthy and amazing.

I’m sure our journey will end up in a much better place because you are a miracle. 

Scriptures: Proverbs 3:5, Philippians 4:6, Romans 8:18

Why do I struggle with trusting God?

Have you ever struggled with trusting God? Do you surrender your challenges to God only to take them back when things get tough? The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;” (Proverbs 3:5, NIV).

Isn’t that one of our biggest problems? We lean on our own intellect, wisdom, and skill to fix our problems. We try to fix other people’s problems. We even feel responsible for problems that are outside of our control. No wonder we get so stressed out. Have you ever heard of codependency and enabling? Do you ever struggle with stress and anxiety? 

The Bible also commands us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (Philippians 4:6, NKJV). That sounds kind of idealistic, doesn’t it? Certainly, the Bible writers did not know about viruses like COVID-19. But they lived with leprosy and malaria, Roman oppression, public crucifixions, and stoning. I guess they had it rougher than we do. 

I believe our challenges don’t even compare with the sufferings of first-century  Christians. Paul even addressed such a comparison: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”(Romans 8:18, NIV) 

So perhaps it’s not the size of our problems but the size of God that makes all the difference. Maybe we can learn to live without anxiety because we trust God so much. He’s so big, powerful, and compassionate. And He loves you so much. Trust Him to get you through this. Trust Him to grow you through these challenges. 

Your God will get bigger and problems will get smaller because you are a miracle. 

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:1, Psalms 40:1

Are you questioning your faith in God?

Faith and trust go hand in hand. The Bible says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV)

Do you believe that God is trustworthy, caring, and compassionate? I do. Five years ago, I was alone in a cabin to pray, write, and rest. It was an amazing little cabin next to a creek in Utah. I loved to chop wood, fish, and target practice with my bow and arrows. I’ve got such a busy schedule that I needed time away to recuperate. It was like a mini sabbath for me. 

Do you have a secret sabbath place?

This trip was a little different because I wasn’t feeling very well. One night, my condition grew worse. I fell to the ground and knew that I was suffering a stroke. I couldn’t walk, so I crawled to the bathroom and took a baby aspirin. I’ll never forget lying next to the toilet with my face stuck to the ground and crying out to God. I was alone and miles away from the closest help. My cell phone did not work in this wilderness setting, and I had no phone at the cabin. I cried out to God, “Please, Lord, if You don’t send help, I’ll die.” My request seemed impossible because I had never had a visitor drop by at night. Never! 

Within just a few moments, I heard a knock on my front door. I screamed for help, and a huge man heard my cry. He entered the cabin and called for an ambulance. I trust God because He heard my cry. David once sang this song: “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.” (Psalms 40:1, NIV) 

I know I can trust God. He’s for us, not against us. He’s for you because you are His miracle. 

Scriptures: 1 Timothy 6:17, Psalms 20:7

Should I trust in money?

The U.S. dollar bill boldly proclaims, “In God we trust.” It seems so ironic that many people trust in money, Facebook likes, friends, talent, skills, or the government. God is often the last source of their trust. Maybe that’s why so many people are now disillusioned or depressed. The Bible says, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17, NIV)

Wow! This is an example of great coaching from Paul to Timothy. Notice that Paul is telling Timothy to command those who are rich in this present age to be humble. Paul knew the pride of life can cause a haughty attitude. Financial success is great, but it can cause a false dependence on possessions or our bank accounts.

Is it possible to have too much money? Are rich people doomed to trust in wealth instead of the living God? I believe everyone is given the privilege of trusting in the living God. Our God is not dead. He’s alive.

The Bible also tells us that “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalms 20:7, NIV) 

I’ll never forget my first few years in Christ. My dad had a lot of success in the corporate world. It afforded me the opportunity to meet some very wealthy and powerful people but also caused me to face the deceptive nature of the love of money. The very rich people I met were not necessarily happy, kind, or good. The famous people were not more content or generous. The number one element that made someone happy or fulfilled was Christ.

Do you trust in the living God? He is the Rock that you can build your life upon. That’s how you become a miracle. 

Scriptures: Matthew 11:28, 2 Corinthians 3:4, John 14:9

Is Dad mad?

I have met many people who have a hard time trusting God the Father because of past family traumas. It seemed interesting to me that they would rather trust Jesus. In my counseling practice, I noticed that the image of Jesus seemed to bring them comfort and help. The Bible does say, “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

Have you ever had a hard time trusting your heavenly Father? 

As I’ve studied the Word and counseled thousands of people, I’ve discovered that everyone has a God concept. A God concept is the way you see God and feel about Him. It was developed through your experience with your parents or primary caretakers. In most cases, it’s quite subconscious, but it has a huge influence on your interpretations of life. 

Do you need to change the way you see God the Father or feel about Him? 

I grew up with a very strict dad. To tell you the truth, I was terrified of him. I wanted his approval but felt like I could never get it. Unfortunately, I transferred those same feelings to my heavenly Father. My God concept was distorted. 

I think that Paul understood this tendency. In 2 Corinthians 3:4, he says, “And we have such trust through Christ toward God.” (2 Corinthians 3:4, NKJV)

Jesus is the bridge to an invisible Father who may seem terrifying but in truth is not. Jesus said, “‘… Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”?’” (John 14:9, NIV) 

We trust God now because we’ve seen Christ. The Lamb of God and the Prince of Peace are easier to trust. Jesus is the way to God. You can trust Him. 

Because you are His miracle.

Scriptures: Psalms 20:7, James 4:14, Proverbs 31:30, Galatians 6:7

Whom do you trust?

Whom do you trust? What do you trust in? I was recently on a plane, and I wondered for just a moment why I trusted this big bucket of bolts and screws. I thought about the pilot. Did he have too much to drink that night, or did he have a death wish because his family just blew up? 

The Bible makes this debate very clear: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalms 20:7, NIV) Some trust in people; others trust in wealth or their beauty.

Aren’t we all going to grow old? Shouldn’t we all stay humble because “…you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14, NKJV)? And “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30, NIV)

There was a time when I had 2% body fat and could run all day, but there have been too many donuts and burgers since. I’m in the last chapter of my life. I’ve lived a great life. I’m so grateful to God and a lot of wonderful people. I’ve also come to a liberating conclusion: I can totally trust the love of God. His grace and mercy are sublime, and He’s a good God. 

Do you know that He’s a good Father as well? Do you believe this? 

So let’s get rid of some common, distorted God concepts. We mentioned them a few days ago.  

1. God is not a cruel chess player or manipulator. He gave you free will, so use it wisely.  
2. We will reap what we sow. Whether it’s good or bad seeds, it’s up to us. Bad seeds produce bad fruit. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7, NIV)   
3. God cares about you. He’s not an absent landlord.   
4. God is not angry with you. Christ paid the penalty for all your sins. He loves you unconditionally.

I hope and pray you will erase the distorted images of God and replace them with the truth.

Because you are a miracle. 

Scriptures: Psalms 16:8, Philippians 4:13, Proverbs 3:5

Fail-proof 

Have you ever enjoyed the “fail” videos on YouTube? They are hilarious and painful to watch. While I watch them, I cringe and laugh with great abandon. But to tell you the truth, I feel badly for those poor souls. Their pride, egos, and confidence are often shattered by their failures. Let’s face the truth—none of us love to fail.

Do you enjoy failing? That’s kind of a dumb question, isn’t it? The Bible has a promise of trust for all of us: “I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” (Psalms 16:8, NKJV) 

David proclaims he will always trust in the Lord because He is at his right hand. Wow! That sounds like great confidence comes from trusting in the Lord.

Do you have confidence because you trust the Lord? 

Paul once said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV)

So let’s recap for a moment: David will not be upended, and Paul can do all things. Wow! We need some more of that level of confidence from God.

I played hockey, football, baseball, and volleyball growing up. I also ran track and field. I really enjoyed sports, but I hated being upended. In hockey, it’s generally called tripping. It’s a penalty. In football, it’s called interference, and it’s also a penalty. In life, it’s called lying, cheating, theft, backstabbing, embezzlement, or fraud. 

I’ve often said life is a contact sport. There are so many circumstances that can upend us. This COVID-19 upended many of us. Recently, the Lord has been speaking these words to my mind a lot: “It’s not what happens to you…it’s what happens inside you.”

You might have been upended in these past eight months, but I encourage you to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;”(Proverbs 3:5, NIV).

God will make a way where there is no way because you are a miracle.