What does the Bible say about trust?
The Bible is rich in its teachings about trust, with numerous passages and stories expounding on its themes. According to the Bible, true trust is based not on human effort, capability or ingenuity, but rather on the knowledge and faith in a power greater than oneself.
Specifically, the Bible teaches that trust is most profoundly placed in God, and it is through Him that faith, assurance and hope are sustained. Israel’s patriarch, Abraham, is a particularly strong example of trusting in God. Despite his ailing health and advancing years, Abraham put his faith in the Lord and trusted in His promise of a son. And his trust was ultimately rewarded with the birth of Isaac.
The Bible also teaches that human nature is shaped by the trust placed in God. In turning away from the Lord and trusting in themselves, the Israelites breached their covenant with God and became ensnared in sin. Similarly, when Jesus entered the world to save humanity, he taught that humans should trust in God’s power of healing more than their own.
The Bible also speaks about how trust is built within the Christian community. The word of God, in particular, is a big part of the trust-building process. The Bible says that those who hear and accept the word of the Lord will experience peace, true joy and assurance in their faith. Those who put their trust in the Lord and rely on his Word will experience His power, protection and grace.
The Nature of Commitment
The Bible also speaks about trust in relation to the nature of commitment. Specifically, it states that those who place their trust in the Lord and follow His commands will be blessed beyond measure. By committing our lives to Him, it is promised that God will remain faithful to us and grant us His favour.
In Matthew 5:37, Jesus teaches that we should “let your yes be yes, and your no be no.” This is one of the central teachings of the Bible when it comes to trust. It is a lesson about truthfulness and honesty. By exhibiting trustworthiness and faithfulness, we show the Lord that we are committed to following Him and His commands.
Commitment and trust are essential elements of faith, but it is also important to note that trust is not blind obedience. We must still strive to make wise decisions using our God-given wisdom. We shouldn’t put our trust in any individual or institution, no matter how esteemed they may seem, without knowing the implications and context of our decisions.
The Bond of Trust
The Bible also highlights the depth of bond and happiness that is formed through trusts. This is evidenced in the story of Ruth and Naomi, two generations of women whose love and trust in each other endured through great suffering, sorrow and loss. This bond of trust stood up in the face of numerous tribulations, demonstrating that true trust and faithfulness go beyond love and understanding.
It is important to note, however, that trust is a two-way street. As Jesus states in Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” To trust in God’s goodness means that we must be trustworthy in all our dealings. We, in turn, must be willing to trust Him and His promises.
The Bible holds up a model of what it means to trust in God and put our faith in Him. It encourages us to turn away from ourselves and rely on the Lord in all our endeavours. And by enacting this model, we will find that, even in difficult times, faith and trust in the Lord will bring great joy and assurance.
Forgiveness and Patience
The Bible also emphasises the importance of forgiveness and patience when it comes to trust. When disagreements and grudges surface, both parties should be willing to forgive and move forward. In this way, a sense of safety and security can be maintained, ensuring that relationships are kept intact.
This is best illustrated in the teachings of Jesus. When blessed with the gift of forgiveness, he use it to restore trust and rebuild relationships with those who had wronged him. He also taught his disciples to show patience and understanding towards others, rather than condemning them for their mistakes.
Encouragement and Support
It is easy to forget that trust also involves offering encouragement and support in times of difficulty. The Bible speaks about the importance of standing with our loved ones in their time of need and enduring trials together. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
We can strengthen our trust in God and in each other by offering a listening ear or supportive words. By being understanding, patient and present, we can provide a source of strength and comfort in our relationships. We must also remember that, above all else, the Lord is our greatest source of trust, and He desires to be our confidant in all our conflicts.
Interdependence
The Bible also speaks of trust in terms of interdependence and communal reliance. To trust God is to be reliant on Him, but it is also to rely on each other. In this way, we can learn to depend on one another for support, guidance and counsel. We can build bridges of trust and understanding, and work together to tackling life’s obstacles.
In our lives, trust is ultimately about believing that the Lord will provide, even though the path ahead may be uncertain. Trust is based on the knowledge that the Lord, in all his wisdom, is trustworthy and able to give us the guidance and comfort we need. We can take comfort in the knowledge that when we put our faith, assurance and hope in Him, He remains ever-faithful.
Honest Communication
Honest and open communication is another key principle of trust. In Ephesians 4:15, the apostle Paul instructs, “ speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” This is a call for honest and authentic communication, which is grounded in love and respect.
Going back to the story of Ruth and Naomi, there is a lesson in the fact that Ruth, who was a foreigner to the Israelites, found a sense of connection and trust in her mother-in-law. Naomi trusted Ruth’s advice and wisdom and Ruth, in turn, trusted Naomi’s counsel.
In the same way, we must learn to trust, accept and rely on one another’s counsel. We should also choose our words carefully and strive to speak the truth in love.
Live by Faith
Ultimately, the Bible instructs us to put our trust in the Lord and to live by faith. To fearlessly follow Him, and to seek and accept His guidance in all our decisions. Psalm 28:7 sums it up aptly: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in whom my heart trusts, and I am helped; so my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.”
By entrusting our lives to Him, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from walking in the Lord’s favour and favouring His will. These truths are universal to all of God’s children.
Living by trust is about holding onto God’s promises, relying on His help and learning to place our faith fully in Him. It’s about trusting that all happens within His perfect will and plan, and that He will be our ever-present help in times of trouble.
Be Brave in Trust
The Bible encourages us to be brave in our efforts to trust God. We must stand in faith, even when the path ahead seems daunting and difficult. The Bible tells us that faith is born of humility and love, and that we should always try to walk faithfully in His ways.
It is important to remember that trust is something that grows as we step into obedience and place our lives in His hands. As our trust in the Lord deepens, He will sow His seeds of faith, truth and grace in our lives and draw us closer to Him.
Symbolise Trust with God
Finally, the Bible is clear in its instructions to symbolise our trust with God through sacred ceremonies and festivals. Events such as Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles symbolise the bond of trust and love that God has for His children.
On occasions such as these, God also promises His people to never leave or forsake them. This is a great source of comfort and assurance, and a reminder of the Lord’s great faithfulness.
The Lord is always faithful and those who trust in Him will never be forsaken. His Word is full of promises and reminders of His goodness, and when we place our trust in Him, we are never left wanting.
Entrusting Our Lives
The Bible speaks frequently of entrusting our lives to God. When we make a commitment to Him, it is then up to us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. We should strive to hate what is evil and cling to what is good, ensuring that our actions reflect the truth of His Word.
In Hebrews 10:23, the bible commands us to “hold fast to our confessions of faith without wavering”. We must take courage and trust in our convictions, and strive to live pure lives that are pleasing to the Lord.
Ultimately, putting our trust in God is about entrusting our lives and all its details over to Him. By following His ways, shunning evil and trusting that He has our best interests at heart, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from true and lasting trust.
