What It Really Means to Trust God

ByDoug

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

Have you ever felt like you were doing everything right — praying, reading Scripture, going to church — and still found yourself waiting on answers that never seemed to come? Maybe you prayed for healing that didn’t arrive, a door that never opened, or clarity that always felt just out of reach.

In those moments, trusting God can feel vague, even frustrating. What does it really mean to trust Him when nothing makes sense?

What Trusting God Isn’t

Before we talk about what trusting God looks like, we need to be honest about what it doesn’t mean:

  • Trusting God isn’t pretending everything’s okay when it’s not.
  • It isn’t about suppressing your doubts or feelings.
  • It doesn’t mean you’ll always feel peaceful or have clarity.
  • It doesn’t mean you’ll get everything you pray for, at least not in the way you expect.

Trusting God doesn’t erase your humanity. Instead, it invites your humanity into the presence of a God who is unshakable.

What Trusting God Is

Trust is a deep, abiding confidence in the character of God — even when the outcome is uncertain.

It looks like:

  • Believing that God is good, even when life is not.
  • Surrendering your plans, even when you don’t understand His.
  • Choosing obedience, even when the road is difficult.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1

Trust isn’t passive — it’s active. It requires daily surrender, not just mental agreement.

Why It’s Hard to Trust

Let’s be honest: trust doesn’t come naturally to most of us. We live in a culture that praises independence, control, and self-sufficiency.

Here are a few reasons trust can feel so hard:

  • Fear of the unknown – We want certainty, not mystery.
  • Control – Surrender feels risky. What if God’s plan doesn’t match our desires?
  • Past disappointments – When prayers go unanswered, our trust can erode.
  • Cultural pressure – We’re told to “take control of our destiny,” not to wait patiently.

But trust begins where control ends. That’s exactly where faith takes root.

What It Looks Like in Real Life

So how does trust in God play out in everyday life?

  • A single mother gives her last bit of money to pay rent and still chooses to tithe.
  • A young adult turns down a high-paying job that conflicts with their values, trusting God will provide another.
  • A grieving family keeps praying, even when they don’t understand why God didn’t heal their loved one.
  • A couple waiting for a child clings to God’s promises through heartbreak.

“Even if He does not…” – Daniel 3:18

Those were the words of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego before the fiery furnace. They trusted God could save them — but even if He didn’t, they still believed He was worthy of trust.

How to Grow in Trust

If trusting God feels difficult for you, you’re not alone. Trust is like a muscle; it grows through practice, not perfection.

Here are 4 ways to build deeper trust in God:

  1. Know His Word
    The more you know God’s character and promises, the easier it is to trust Him. Scripture is filled with examples of His faithfulness.
  2. Remember Past Faithfulness
    Look back on moments when God showed up — even in small ways. Write them down, celebrate them, and let them remind you of His reliability.
  3. Surrender Daily
    Hand your worries to Him in prayer each day. Surrender isn’t a one-time event; it’s a daily act of trust.
  4. Surround Yourself with Faith
    Spend time with people who live out deep trust in God. Their encouragement can strengthen you when your faith feels weak.

A Last Thought

Trusting God doesn’t mean life will be easy or predictable. It means choosing, day by day, to believe He is good, even when the story doesn’t make sense.

You may not have all the answers. You might still be waiting. But take heart: God is trustworthy, even in the silence.

“Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” – Psalm 9:10

A Prayer for Trust

“Lord, help me to trust You not just with my words, but with my whole heart. When I can’t see the way forward, remind me of who You are. Help me surrender what I cannot control and rest in the truth that You are always working for my good. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

– Doug

Similar Posts