Scripture: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” – Jeremiah 17:7
Examination: Jeremiah warns the people of Judah about their sin by contrasting those who trust God with those who reject Him. He stresses that those who trust in God and follow His ways will reap blessings from the Lord.
Application: Life is full of circumstances that tend to make us distrustful of others. Some issues stem from childhood experiences, like broken promises from friends or the divorcing of parents, while other more “adult” situations like the sudden loss of a job or betrayal from a spouse. Even the smallest of infractions in relationships can impair one’s ability to trust others. For example, sharing a secret or telling a “white lie”. All of these and more can destroy our ability to trust others.
Fortunately, trusting in God will never lead to disappointment. He is faithful to His Word always. Psalm 9:10 tells us this, “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” Throughout the Bible, we can read of occasion after occasion where God has demonstrated His faithfulness to His children.
Here are four examples in Scripture of individuals who trusted God completely.
- Abraham trusted God to give him a son.
- “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” – Romans 4:20-21
- David trusted God repeatedly to help him in times of war.
- “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” – Psalm 13:5
- Daniel trusted God when he was in the lions’ den.
- “… So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.” – Daniel 6:23
- Mary trusted that God would do exactly as He said.
- “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” – Luke 1:38
Trusting in God doesn’t mean that we get whatever we want from Him. God is not a “wish-granter”. He is the sovereign Creator of all things, and He does what is best for us according to His perfect will for our lives. Trusting in God means believing that what He allows or does in our lives is what is best. Trusting in God is believing that His Word is completely true. Trusting in God is believing in Him regardless of circumstances surrounding us.
God is trustworthy. Deuteronomy 7:9 states, “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;”
God is faithful. Joshua 23:14 states, “And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.”
Lastly, David writes in Psalm 62:8, “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”
Memory Verse: “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” – Proverbs 30:5
Stretching your thoughts:
1. In what areas do you struggle to trust God?
2. What steps can you take to move you closer to trusting God completely?
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, and to take him at his word;
Just to rest upon his promise, and to know, "Thus saith the Lord."
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him! How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust him more!
(from “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” by Louisa M. R. Stead)