Dear Friend,
Thank you for reaching out with your heartfelt question. I appreciate your desire to deepen your trust in the Lord, and it’s a pleasure to explore this topic with you today. Your question, “I want to learn to trust the Lord more in my life. Do you have any recommendations?” is one that resonates with many of us on our spiritual journey. Trusting God is a lifelong endeavor, rich with challenges and rewards.
Trusting God more is akin to learning to swim in an ocean of uncertainty. The waves of life can be unpredictable, but our faith in God’s sovereignty and goodness can act as our lifeline. Trusting God isn’t just about believing He exists; it’s about relying on Him completely, even when we can’t see the outcome. It’s about resting in His promises and knowing He is for us, not against us. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse reminds us that trust is a heart issue—it involves our whole being and directs our entire path.
To trust God more, it’s essential to cultivate a relationship with Him that is both intimate and active. Think of it as a friendship; the more time you spend together, the deeper your trust grows. Spend time in prayer, talking to God about your fears, hopes, and dreams. Read His Word regularly to understand His character and promises. Remember, trust is built over time, through experience and intentional effort. It’s about seeing God’s faithfulness in the little things, which strengthens our faith for the bigger challenges.
For younger Christians, trust can often be a test of patience and perseverance. In a world that values quick fixes and immediate results, learning to wait on the Lord can be counter-cultural and challenging. Psalm 56:11 states, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” This verse is a powerful reminder that our trust in God should eclipse our fear of human circumstances. For younger believers, embracing this truth means acknowledging that while life’s uncertainties are daunting, God’s presence provides a steadfast anchor. Engaging in small acts of faith—like praying before a difficult exam or seeking God’s guidance in daily decisions—can gradually build a strong foundation of trust.
For older Christians, trusting God may involve reflecting on past experiences where God has proven Himself faithful. It’s about recalling those moments when God’s provision was evident, even if it came in unexpected ways. This reflection can fuel our trust, especially when facing new challenges. John 14:12 offers profound encouragement: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” This promise from Jesus assures us that our faith and trust in Him enable us to participate in His miraculous works. For older believers, this might mean trusting God to work through us in our communities, families, and churches in ways we may never have imagined.
One insight into trusting God more is understanding the Hebrew and Greek roots of the word “trust.” In Hebrew, the word for trust is “batach,” which conveys a sense of security and confidence. It implies placing full reliance on God, much like a child rests securely in their parent’s arms. In the Greek, the word “pisteuo” is often used, which means to believe, to have faith, or to trust. It carries the idea of complete confidence and assurance in God’s faithfulness. These linguistic insights deepen our understanding of what it means to trust God—it’s about a confident assurance and a secure reliance on His character and promises.
Max Lucado once said, “God has proven Himself as a faithful Father. Now it falls to us to be trusting children.” This quote highlights the relational aspect of trust. God’s faithfulness is not in question; it has been demonstrated time and again throughout history and in our personal lives. Our part is to respond with childlike faith, trusting Him completely. Lucado’s words remind us that trust is our response to God’s proven reliability.
Similarly, Oswald Chambers stated, “Trusting is based on confidence in God whose ways I do not understand.” This acknowledges the reality that we won’t always understand God’s ways. Trusting God involves surrendering our need for control and embracing the mystery of His plan. Chambers’ insight helps us see that trust is rooted in our confidence in God’s character, not in our understanding of His methods.
Psalm 56:11 emphasizes that our trust in God should be unwavering: “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” This verse calls us to place our fear and anxiety in the context of God’s greater power and protection. It reassures us that no matter what we face, God is sovereign and trustworthy. This psalm encourages us to shift our focus from our circumstances to God’s steadfast character, providing peace and confidence amidst trials.
John 14:12 underscores the power and potential of our faith: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” This verse invites us to trust in the transformative power of faith. It encourages us to believe that through our trust in Jesus, we are empowered to accomplish great things for God’s kingdom. This promise challenges us to expand our trust, believing not just in God’s ability to work in our lives, but also through our lives.
In closing, remember that trust in God is a journey. It grows as we experience His faithfulness and lean into His promises. Take small steps of faith, reflect on God’s past provisions, and immerse yourself in His Word. Trust that God, who has been faithful in the past, will continue to be faithful in your future.
Blessings, Theo
Intentional Faith 