Trust is tricky. Like remaining friends with an ex. It’s a fickle, complex emotion we all want more of, but it often requires time and vulnerability.
We understand the meaning of trust – or lack thereof- when it comes to relationships. We trust our parents. Some of our friends. A couple of our co-workers. Hopefully our spouse (but it can depend on the day). But when it comes to trusting God with all our hearts, completely, in all things, without any hesitancy…is it even possible?
The answer is yes. And it’s supposed come easy. We’re designed to trust our Father completely, without any abandon, but our past hurts, sins and disappointments can significantly limit our ability to fully trust, even though logically we believe God is loving, and good. Here are four ways to start increasing that trust, today:
#1: Perform A Relationship Check
No one trusts a mere acquaintance. Our trust in the Lord is directly related to our level of intimacy with Him. When we spend regular times of prayer and worship, we’re able to hear his voice, feel the Holy Spirit’s comfort and reconnect on a level that simply doesn’t happen without intention. So, when the Lord asks us to change career paths, or severe a relationship, it’s a whole lot easier to trust he knows best. Like any relationship. The closer we are. The more we trust.
#1. Remember All He’s done
Our trust in God can significantly increase when we mediate on all the times (so many times) God has come through for us, and all the ways he’s proven faithful. Not only in our lives, but in the lives of those around us. He’s so faithful. He never gives up on us (even when we don’t deserve it) and is always planning for our good. It can take longer than we prefer, but praise ‘em, He always comes through. Consider keeping list of answered prayers to reflect on during unsteady times. Meditate on all the Bible stories exemplifying God’s incredible faithfulness (Ruth. All day long Ruth) and remind your spirit that he’s just as committed to you, and he never changes. (Psalm 33:11)
#2. Make Sure Your Life Is Surrendered
As Christians, we know our life is not our own. From the moment we say “yes” to following Jesus, our identity is in Him. “Thy will be done” rolls off the tongue easily during those first “on fire” months or years after getting saved, but unfortunately we often settle into our own patterns of comfort, familiarity, and willfulness, without realizing it. Proverbs 3:5 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” When trust our own understanding, our intellect, our friends, the media, more than the direction of God. It helps to remember our life isn’t our own. Our kids, our marriage, our jobs, our houses… all God’s. It can be a whole heck of a lot easier trusting God by still tithing on a tight budget, or giving up that prize vice (please not my HBO Max, Lord) when living a truly surrendered life.
#3: Pay Attention to Your Hesitation
We often trust God with certain parts of our lives while withholding control of others. For some, it’s easy trusting God with job or ministry decisions, while consistently distrusting Him in other areas, like our relationship/dating lives. We tend to disobey, make poor decisions, or take matters into our own hands, to avoid disappointment and pain. Consider making time to ask God why. What are we most afraid of? Where doe that fear stem from? We might need to seek inner healing in those areas of our heart that demands self-protection.
#4: Believe He Wants The Best For Us
Perhaps the number one way to increase our trust in God is to believe- really truly believe- that God wants even more, and better for us, than we do. Having children helped me understand this concept on a much deeper level. There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for our kids. Never would I have believed, pre-kid that I’d forgo trips to the gym to spend more time with my toddler, or forgo manicures to pay for karate. But really, our greatest desire in life is or our kids to be healthy and happy. God is even more loving. He’ll never ask us to do anything that’s not in our best interest. His direction might seem difficult, scary or even painful, at times, but this is how we grow, overcome and become closer to Him.
The more we trust God with “all our parts,” in all the areas of our lives, the more peaceful, fulfilled and joyful we’ll become. Trust is a journey, and it leads to freedom.
For more inspiration check out Priscilla Shirer’s sermon about trusting God here. One of the best I’ve heard!
For more on trusting God read 3 Characteristics of God Every Heart Needs to Know.”
Fellowship please…. what do you find it most difficult to trust God in? I’d love to hear your thoughts, struggles and victories in the comments section below. xo
