Trusting God – Pt. 1
Do you have trust issues? Do you have trouble letting things go or leaving things in God’s hands? Jesus is bigger than ANY problem you could ever have.
Proverbs 4:20-23 My son, attend to my words; incline your ear unto my words. 21 Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them and medicine to all their flesh. 23 Above all else, guard your heart; for out of it flows the issues of life. (NKJ) Webster defines “issues” as questions, problems, concerns, disputes, or place of origin. In Hebrew, the word here means “source.” It’s a heart issue.
Proverbs 3:1-8 My son, forget not my law (direction); but let your heart keep my commandments (instruction): 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to you. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them upon the table of your heart: 4 So shall you find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own under-standing. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes: fear (reverence) the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to your body, and strength to your bones.
Disappointment comes by losing trust and allowing doubt and unbelief to come into your thoughts.
Psalm 56:9-12 When I cry unto you, then shall my enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. 10 In God will I praise His Word: in the LORD will I praise His Word. 11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. 12 Your vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto You. (NKJ)
A lack of trust is a sign of ambiguity in your mind – meaning there are some issues that are not settled in your heart.
Psalm 37:1-8 Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be you envious of the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed. 4 Delight yourself also in the LORD; and He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. 6 And He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. 7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself in any way to do evil. (NKJ) Fret = To be constantly worried or anxious · to eat at · wear down · erode · pine · mope · complain · grumble · whine · torment · agitate · rattle · consume · devour.
If trust didn’t require risk, it wouldn’t be trust. And without trust, fear is the only possibility.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. (NKJ)
Fear and anticipation of pain keep the doubt alive giving them newfound relevance and thereby justifies your feelings. Trust issues inevitably turn into self-sabotage.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (NKJ)
Your lack of trust is held in place by the fear of being disappointed, humiliated, or taken advantage of. The perceived risk may seem overwhelming. Skepticism shows up as a natural defense mechanism causing you to anticipate negative consequences, should you let down your guard. And so, there is a tendency to think of the worse case in every possible scenario.
Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (NKJ)
You can follow someone only to the degree that you trust them. And, if you don’t believe them, you won’t trust them.
Ephesians 3:11-12 According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In Whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. (NKJ) Greek word for faith is to be persuaded, come to trust; to have confidence, to be confident; to listen to, obey, yield to, comply with.
Here are questions that show us if we are trusting God in any given circumstance: Where is your trust; the place you go for protection and security? Is it man? Is it the economy? What the media tells you? What your doctor says? What your bank account shows? What your friends or family tell you?
Isaiah 30:1-3 “What sorrow awaits My rebellious children,” says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to Mine. You make alliances not directed by My Spirit, thus piling up your sins. 2 For without consulting Me, you have gone down to Egypt for help. You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection. You have tried to hide in his shade. 3 But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated, and by depending on him, you will be disgraced. (NLT)
If your first inclination is to try to fix the problem (or find someone who can) instead of going to Jesus, then you are not putting your trust in Him.
Proverbs 19:20-21 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. 21 There are many plans in a man’s heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. (NKJ)
If you succeed in tomorrows unexpected trials, it will be due to today’s preparation. It is not your responsibility to solve your circumstances. It is your respond-ability to God who has already provided everything your circumstances could ever require.