Trusting God isn’t always easy. Especially when life feels uncertain, and the road ahead is unclear. Yet, Scripture consistently calls us to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Building trust in God is not just about saying that we trust Him, it’s about learning, through life’s tests, to depend on His process, His providence, and His pace.
When life doesn’t follow our plans, trusting in God’s method and timing is vital. As humans, we naturally lean towards control. We like knowing what’s next. But Proverbs 3:5-6 gently reminds us:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Trust In God’s Method
It is vital to trust His method and providence, and not just our ability.
It’s easy to rely on our skills, knowledge, and safety measures. But as Philippians 1:6 reminds us:
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
And in Jude 1:24:
“To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.”
God’s providence means He is sovereign over all and provides for us in every season; even when it doesn’t look like it. Think of Ruth, after facing loss and uncertainty in a foreign land, her faithfulness led her to Boaz, and she became part of the lineage of Jesus, something she couldn’t have foreseen. This story echoes Deuteronomy 8:3, teaching that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. Trust wasn’t optional; it became essential.
God’s omniscience Is our security, He knows every detail about:
- All people
- Motives
- Thoughts
- Times
- Seasons
This omniscience is why we can trust Him fully. Psalm 139:1-4 beautifully captures this:
“You have searched me, Lord, and You know me… Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely.”
While God knows all things, what matters most is what He chooses to reveal per time. That’s why seeking His face through prayer, study, and spiritual counsel is non-negotiable.
How to Practically Build Trust in God
Building trust in God is both a decision and a daily practice. Here are keyways to grow:
a. Identify God’s Voice in Your Life
Trust begins with knowing when God is speaking:
- Through His Word: Consistent Bible study sharpens your ability to hear.
- Through Spiritual Growth: Maturing in faith enhances discernment.
- Through Men and Women of God: Trusted spiritual leaders can guide and confirm God’s direction.
- Through Spiritual Wisdom: James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, and He gives generously.
As a personal example, I once faced a career decision that seemed obvious on paper. But through prayer and guidance, I felt led a different way. It wasn’t until months later that the wisdom of that choice became clear.
b. Cultivate a Life of Prayer
Prayer is more than a spiritual routine; it’s essential for reinforcing trust in God. Through prayer:
- God aligns our desires with His plans.
- Our hearts are protected from fear and anxiety.
- The devil’s access to our lives is restricted.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 keeps it simple: “Pray without ceasing.”
c. Accept That Strength Is Proven Through Testing
Faith isn’t faith until it’s tested. Strength isn’t trusted until it’s tested. Trusting God doesn’t eliminate challenges; it gives us peace within them.
Remember: The presence of joy is not the absence of troubles. As Psalm 23 reminds us, even in the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us; as our Good Shepherd.
d. Surrender Your Ambitions to God’s Plans
There’s power in letting go of personal ambition to embrace God’s bigger picture. This includes:
- Being trustworthy with resources God entrusts to you.
- Recognising God as both the source and sustainer.
- Choosing contentment in all seasons.
- Teaching others about Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
When you start trusting God with your business rather than chasing every opportunity yourself, the peace and provision you’ll experience will be undeniable. That’s the power of trust in action.
Conclusion
Building trust in God is a lifelong journey. It’s about choosing to let go of what makes sense to us and embracing God’s superior wisdom and timing. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 says:
“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Here’s a final encouragement:
- Recognise that God wants you to trust Him.
- See Him as your source and sustainer in all things.
- Let go of your plans, be content, and live in prayer.
And finally, remember as a believer, you’re called to trust in Christ. Deuteronomy 8:3 reminds us that dependence on God’s word is essential for life. Let’s lean into that today.
“You are our Good Shepherd, and we are Your sheep; help us to keep our eyes fixed on You as we trust You in all things.”