Trusting

Jeremiah 17:7 NET

Trust is belief in honesty and reliability.  It’s complete confidence in a person, promise, purpose or plan.  Trust has been described as a dependeable, an unshakable and a sustainable relationship.

Unless it’s based on wholehearted faith, trust can be fragile and easily broken.

For those who have been wounded, hurt or abused trust is not a immediate response.   Our own fears and failures can taint our trust.  Solomon encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Prov 3:5 ESV). Author Stephen Covey identifies trust as being based on a proven person or process.  He writes, “Once you create trust—genuine character and competence based trust—almost everything else falls into place.”  Solomon continues his thought, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Prov 3:6 ESV)

I Trust In His Character.  David gives us an assurance, “Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for You.” (Ps 9:10 NLT)  God’s name and character . . . the essence of Who He is and the excellence in what He does . . . gives us confidence and conviction.  What He says He will do.  Solomon shared a wise word, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” (Prov 30:5 NKJV)

I Trust In His Competency.  Too often we enter into a battle of wills with God.  Our understanding is limited . . . His is limitless.  We are power is weak, but His strength is all-powerful.  We make our ways crooked and He makes them straight.  Our God can handle any and all of our chaos, conflicts and confusion.  The psalmist writes, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Ps 18:2 NKJV). God’s got skills.  I can trust Him.

I Trust In His Compassion.  King David writes of his trust in God’s unfailing, unending and unwavering love, “For the king trusts in the Lord. The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling.” (Ps 21:7 NLT). When we thrive in His presence, we trust in His passion.  The psalmist writes, “But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” (Ps 52:8 NLT). He loves us and He will never stop loving us.  It’s not about what we do . . . it’s about what He did.  Paul reminds us, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Rom 5:8 NLT)

I Trust In His Care.  Peter tells us, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. ” (1 Pet 5:7 NLT). Even when we can’t see how God is leading, we can surround ourselves with His lovIng care. The psalmist encourages us, “Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (Ps 55:22 NLT).