Building Trust with God

  By: Lauren Thomas 

One of the foundational aspects of any relationship, including a relationship with God, is trust. We know from Scripture that God is faithful. He never breaks a promise. He is always the same: yesterday, today, and forever. However, based on our life experiences, betrayals, and disappointments, it can be hard to trust others, hard to trust even God.

 

There is a process when it comes to building trust, be it building trust with other individuals or with God. Often, people say that time is required to build trust. That is true. But time alone cannot build trust. Consistency is also necessary. Consistency over time contributes to building trust.

 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 ESV

 

Trust-building also involves two parties. In what is called “the cycle of trust,” a need must be expressed, then responded to. If the need is satisfied, comfort results. As this cycle is completed consistently over time, trust is built. This process takes two people who express their needs effectively, respond lovingly, and receive with openness.

 

But here is the most difficult part of building trust. We must choose willingness to let the other person demonstrate their trustworthiness. If we are unwilling to let the other person prove themselves, we will never build trust with them.

 

if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2:13 ESV

 

God is consistent over time. God responds lovingly to our needs. Scripture attests to these facts. He is trustworthy and true. So, if we continue to struggle with feeling trust toward God, we have to examine ourselves. What experiences are holding us back from trust? What betrayals have we still not forgiven? And are we willing to choose the vulnerability that is necessary to allow someone the possibility of letting us down?

 

Even when we know in our heads that God is trustworthy, that he will not let us down, our hearts can lag behind. If that describes you today, let me encourage you to choose trust. God cannot fail. And he won’t let you down.

 

Reflection:

Do you struggle to trust others? Do you struggle to trust God? Why or why not?

How does it feel to trust someone when they have not proven themselves in the past? How is this similar to, or different from, how it feels to choose to trust God?

What Bible verses help you feel trusting toward God?