Thanks for clicking. I always appreciate my loyal readers who keep this study going since its humble beginnings in February 2020—also, a warm welcome to newcomers who are seeking to know more about the Word of God.
Today’s study reflects my need to examine passages about trusting God when speed bumps throw me off course. (Raise your hand if you can relate.) Surely, this is a common problem for people of faith who love the Lord. So, let’s dive in—first, the Old Testament, and next week, the New Testament. After reading it, I am confident we will be uplifted and that our trust in Him is renewed.
We begin with a well-known verse about trust, recorded in the Old Testament book of Proverbs, authored by King Solomon. (Learn more about him in Vol. 231, 232, and 233.)
“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” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
This short verse contains three action phrases you should incorporate into your life, and when you do, God promises His reward. First is “trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Yes, we know that, but the problem is intensity. So, let’s try harder. For example, we could proclaim out loud, “I trust in you, Lord, with all my heart!” Then, repeat, repeat.
Next, by following the Lord’s instructions through King Solomon, we are told to “lean not on your own understanding.” However, there is a gap between reading that phrase and applying it. As humans, we naturally rely on our own understanding because that is how we make decisions and live our lives. Over time, we have gained insight into how to handle circumstances and make plans. Nevertheless, compared to God, our knowledge is limited, since God knows our past, present, and future. God sees the big picture and knows our expiration date.
Often, we become frustrated and wonder why a task, job opportunity, or any challenge isn’t resolved immediately on our schedule. It is then that we lose trust in God. Furthermore, we pray and ask Him why an illness, calamity, or tragedy happened to you or someone you love. Relying on our understanding is limited by our human nature, while Almighty God’s perspective rules and oversees the universe into eternity. Additionally—and unfortunately—God’s reality for us can sometimes be harsh. (See Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” in Vol. 292.)
The third action phrase is “in all your ways submit to Him.” The concept of “submission” is summarized early in the Lord’s Prayer when Jesus said to His disciples, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” (Matthew 6:5-9). (Yes, I know that is the New Testament, but the message fits.)
We trust in the Lord with all our hearts because He has that all-encompassing, time-space heavenly perspective. Therefore, when praying, “thy will be done,” you are also “in all your ways submit[ting] to Him.” Furthermore, accepting that He powerfully reigns over you means that you trust in Him, and His reward is “He will make your paths straight,” in accordance with His path that He uniquely created for you. Often, “He will make your paths straight” differs from the path you prayed for, planned, and worked very hard to build. However, it is His path and the right path, so praise God!
It’s easy to write about fully trusting God. However, internalizing and applying that trust in daily life when facing the world’s challenges is where trust in Him and harsh reality often clash. Always try to remember: He is God, and we are not.
So, those with great faith always wait on the Lord, calmly trusting that God’s “will be done.” They know that He has their best interests at heart and, eventually, whether on earth or in Heaven, they will understand why He made “your paths straight” the way He did. I want to be that person with “great faith” and never waver to serve as an example to others.
What follows is another “operational trust verse” for a long-term perspective:
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
Again, I strive to be that man (or woman in my case). I need to deepen my trust in the Lord, always knowing and never doubting that the “tree” will bear fruit when the heat or drought comes. That level of trust requires a mature, calm faith, and I am not there yet, but I am working on it. (This is a self-help Bible study for the author, in case you hadn’t figured that out. But I “see” readers nodding their heads, saying, “Yup, that’s me too.”)
Now, are we ready for some uplifting Psalms? These serve as mantra-like reminders for when you want to trust in God but feel that He is not there for you. David, the Psalm writer, kept God’s trust on his mind and in his heart, which is why he often wrote about trusting the Lord. Therefore, David can be our “trust cheerleader” when our trust tank is empty, leaking, or rusted.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). Translation: Trust in God over the things of this world.
Another:
“But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God'” (Psalm 31:14).
As I was writing that, I received a “message” telling me to include “You are my God” in our regular family prayers. That directive is interesting because I never say those words. Currently, what my husband and I pray at the end of our evening devotions is, “Jesus, I trust in you.” But now, we have added, “You are my God.” (Perhaps some readers are also moved to exclaim “You are my God” to their daily prayers.)
Our final Psalm for today is:
“He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112-7).
Nobody likes bad news, but “trusting in the Lord” helps you handle life’s setbacks because He is with you. Our study ends with a powerful message that explains why we should always trust God.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
And my new response is “You are my God!” Now I am uplifted and inspired to slog through all the alligator swamps and sinkholes in my path. Amen to that!
See you next week for “Trusting God Is a Challenge – New Testament Verses.”
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible“ reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. “Part 2,” reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can join our new effort in Orlando, Florida. Contact: Myraadams01@gmail.com
This article was originally posted at Townhall.com.
