Trust
Trust in Turbulent Times: In seasons of uncertainty, it’s easy to relinquish our trust, succumbing to restlessness, anxiety and fear. The unknown future in life can torment our minds, keeping us trapped in a perpetual loop of “what ifs.” Yet we must recognize that this mindset runs counter to our identity as children of God. As believers, we are called to an existence defined by steadfast trust in the promises of Christ. Though external chaos swirls about us, we must keep our minds stayed on Him — the One who remains constant yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). What does it mean to truly trust during turbulent times? First and foremost, it requires us to place our faith not in our limited human understanding, but wholly in God. Isaiah 55:8–9 affirms, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” When we cannot trace God’s hand, we can trust His heart. Though His plans often unfold in ways beyond our comprehension, we can rest assured that He holds the master plan. Trust also means refusing to give in to fear. The spirit of fear does not originate from our Father (2 Timothy 1:7). As Christ followers, we have access to a different spirit — the spirit of power, love and a sound mind. God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of courage. Let us wear courage as a cloak, allowing bold faith to arise. Furthermore, trusting God requires us to release outcomes into His hands. Oftentimes, we attempt to control situations, pressing forth in our own strength rather than fully relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet we must recall that releasing control is an act of faith. Like clay in the potter’s hands, we must yield to the shaping and molding of our Creator. As we navigate uncertain times, we must cling to the truth that our Almighty God remains sovereign over the universe He spoke into existence. If He holds the stars in place, He certainly holds our lives secure. Not a single moment escapes His divine notice and attention. He promises to be our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Examples of Trust: Seasons of hardship and turmoil have been an integral part of the human experience since the fall of man. Yet all throughout Scripture, we find profound examples of men and women who maintained radical trust in God, even when facing harrowing adversity. Take the example of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, three Israelite men whose bold trust left an indelible legacy. When commanded to bow down to a false idol, they refused to renounce their faith in the one true God. The king responded by having them thrown into a fiery furnace that burned seven times hotter than usual. Yet as the men plunged into the flames, they declared, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” — Daniel 3:17–18. Their remarkable trust exemplified true faith — one that clings to God regardless of external outcome. Miraculously, the Lord protected the men, and when the furnace was opened, the only thing consumed was their bindings. Similarly, we think of Job — a man who endured unfathomable adversity yet chose to bless the name of the Lord through it all (Job 1:20–22). Though he harbored many questions, his trust in the character of God remained unwavering. Likewise, Joseph maintained trust when sold into slavery by his own brothers (Genesis 37:28). And David trusted God to deliver him from the hand of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37). The pages of Scripture are filled with such inspiring accounts of radical trust. What circumstances led these individuals to trust so resolutely? Their access to revelation from the heart of God. We must seek the face of God daily through prayer and study of the Word — the tools He has given us to nourish our faith. God’s promises serve as the unshakable foundation upon which we build our trust.
Cultivating Unwavering Trust: The steadfast nature of God is beautifully depicted in Isaiah 26:3–4 which declares: “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” Trusting God fully, especially in tumultuous seasons, requires committed cultivation on our part. Unwavering trust does not happen passively. Consider practical ways we can proactively nurture our trust in God:
- Make time daily to seek God in prayer and Scripture. This aligns our focus to His heart and strengthens spiritual roots.
- Immerse our minds in truths about God’s character — He is good, faithful, just, loving, our strong tower and deliverer.
- Recall specific examples of God’s past faithfulness in our lives. This builds confidence in His trustworthiness.
- Yield our anxieties promptly to God, casting cares upon Him. Don’t carry them needlessly.
- Press into God’s presence continually through worship and communion with the Holy Spirit.
- Exchange fear-filled thoughts for gratitude. Be thankful for God’s sovereignty over the future.
- Fix our eyes expectantly on God, believing for His miraculous intervention. He delights in responding.
- Refuse to consult unreliable sources. Get godly counsel aligned with scriptural wisdom.
- Anchor the heart in God’s promises, not media rhetoric that breeds hopelessness.
- Take steps of courageous faith, keeping in step with where God is leading.
- Remain flexible to God’s timing and methods, which differ from our own.
- Release outcomes fully to God, trusting Him amid the unknown.
As we actively nurture steadfast trust in Almighty God, our roots grow deep in Him. We gain access to His perfect peace, which surpasses human logic. May we all abound in unwavering confidence, knowing our lives are securely held in His hands.
In Him,
Tim and Will