What It Means to Actually Trust God

An Overused Phrase

“And when you’re struggling, don’t forget to trust God!”

So easy to say!

I hear loved ones throw this phrase around so lightly. I used these words together for years without knowing what it meant! Oh, but I thought I knew. My pride told me it was an easy concept. I’ve read all of the Christian books, I’ve been to church every weekend, I’ve served my heart out, I’ve laid my hands, I’ve done what seems like all of it, right? Pride. My lack of depth in my young faith overlooked this phrase and attitude until God struck me with an understanding that hasn’t shaken since, and now bleeds in the best way into every aspect of my life.

I thought for the longest time since becoming a Christian that trusting God simply meant to accept that whatever God was going to do I would just be okay with. Sounds good on the outside, right? And theoretically, of course, we should always accept how God’s sovereign plan lands. Who are we to question Him when it comes down to it!

But that’s acceptance. That isn’t trust.

Trust comes into play when we are out of control. Nobody enjoys feeling like something could spiral any minute. That is just plain stress-inducing, nerve-racking, and worry-causing. All the worst of things!

And in that moment God gives you a choice.

Are you going to believe what He has spoken in His Word? Are you going to understand His power in that moment? Will you be reminded that God is FOR you?

You know God is reliable. You know He is able. You know God is all-powerful. And yet, we worry.

Here is a tough truth and a statement to ponder:

You cannot worry and trust at the same time.

The words, “I’m just worried that…” or “But what if…” are in direct opposition to “God’s got this.”

We are so predisposed to worry! I mean, after all, Satan tip-toed in and made us doubt immediately that God was who He said He was by questioning, “did He reeeeally say that?” The enemy LOVES to interject and remove the faith that causes us to trust. He spews lies and tries to steal your confidence in Jesus.

Don’t make it easy for the enemy to jump in and tell you that God isn’t going to do what He says He will do.

We know that God will take care of us.

God will prosper us.

We know that God will change our hearts, adopt us, call us out of sin. We know God will bring forth steadfastness in us. We know God uses our suffering for good! We know God is GOOD.

And yet, when crap hits the fan, and North becomes South, and money is tight, and the marriage is falling apart, and the dog ate the cat, and the job is lost….. do we remember these things about God?

Or is it easier to say, “I’m going to trust God,” And not understand that trusting God includes knowing He will not let you fall. He will use it for His glory. It may look backwards, and it may start you over, or it may shake your world… but not your faith. Because for God, it’s easy. He is mighty.

Our mountain is a blip in the sand to Him.

So the next time your circumstance screams chaos or you just simply don’t know your next move, understand that the God of the universe only desires you to stop what you’re doing and think to yourself of the meaning of trust.

Don’t just say the words. Know the meaning, let it grow you, let the trust you cultivate carry you and sustain you. He is good, and He will not let you fall. And if you have already learned all about trust, learn how you can show God that you can be trusted here.

He is worthy.