“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 KJV
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:”. Isaiah 26:3-4
Webster’s Dictionary: Trust (verb)
- to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of : BELIEVEtrust a rumorb: to place confidence in : rely on a friend you can trustc: to hope or expect confidentlytrusts that the problem will be resolved soon
- to commit or place in one’s care or keeping : ENTRUSTb: to permit to stay or go or to do something without fear or misgiving
Daily, thousands of times a day we trust and don’t even think about it. We sit in a chair and trust it will hold us. We turn the key or now push a button and trust the car to start. We breathe in and trust we are taking in oxygen.
I often wonder- “Why don’t I automatically trust God?” Why do I question Him? He’s proven Himself over and over again.
Well, I believe that mistrust, doubt and lack of recognition of who God is and what He can do has doomed man from the beginning. Why? The example of Adam and Eve stands out for me. The fact that they had a close relationship with God as described in Genesis 3:8a, but still did not trust him enough to obey. Even though God spent time and spoke directly with them, the enemy still crept in and exploited their vain selfish thoughts.
If the two of them fell for the enemy’s subtle ways even with visual and audible access to God- this is for certain – we are definitely susceptible.
Romans 12:2 KJV states:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
We must renew our minds to trust. It’s not something that happens naturally for humans. It’s a decision we make in faith with the help of God. A portion of 2 Corinthians 10 explains better than I can..
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 KJV
As you live, this process is learned and achieved through experiences. It is assuredly tested in trials. As a believer, you hopefully learn to seek and apply spiritual concepts to all situations. We are told in the Bible:
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 KJV
Proverbs 3:6-8 instructs us even further after telling us to trust in the Lord with all thine heart. It behooves us to humble ourselves and recognize we are not a god, He is our God.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones. Proverbs 3:6-8 KJV
How do we acknowledge Him? We read, meditate, and study His word. We pray and fast. We remain thankful. We cast down everything that contrary to what God’s word says. (Keep in mind, the enemy is subtle/slick and can “plant” thoughts in our minds as he did with Eve.)
Proverbs 3 also points out that health and strength are tied to trusting. Stress and anxiety can alter not only spiritual, but also physical health. Trusting – knowing God is omnipotent (having virtually unlimited authority or influence) and omniscient (having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight) causes peace and maintains health even in the midst of chaotic circumstances.
God reassures us in the book of Jeremiah –
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 KJV
My ultimate prayer is that we ALL begin to trust God like we trust a chair will hold us, like we trust the car will start when we turn the key or push the button, like we trust we breathe in oxygen thousands of times a day…
lifeandgodliness 