Trust Issues
In my opinion, relationships are what make the world go ‘round whether we recognize it or not. Not cash, not the government but relationships. From major business decisions to life being created, relationships are the foundation. Any good relationship is based on communication, honesty, unity and most importantly trust. Over time, it seems that trust has deteriorated so much since that time and distrust is more common than trust.
The test of trust is this, do you believe that the person you trust has your best interest in mind when making a decision that will impact you? In your friendships, are you wondering if your friend will really come through on what they said they’d do? Or maybe in your relationship, are you trying to figure out if your partner is faithful to you like they were at the beginning of the relationship? It seems that there are so many opportunities for mistrust and skepticism to seep into relationships and can make what is an issue with trust seem more like a protective measure to avoid disappointment. Distrust in people erodes relationships but can also make hope, joy, and peace seem like unattainable concepts.
Transparency moment-This past week I was challenged on how much I trust God and discovered I have work to do. I came across Romans 15:13 on four separate occasions in just 3 days. Initially, I thought this was a coincidence but when the scripture appeared for the final time, I knew God was trying to say something to me.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13, New International Version
I read the scripture over and over and over again trying to understand what I may have missed the first 4 times I saw it! This verse was simple in language and easy to understand but I knew there was more to it because of how simple and straight to the point it was. I read it once more and “As you trust in Him” struck me. It became clear that trusting in God is truly beneficial; the words joy, peace, and hope are available to the person who chooses to fully trust in God. I didn’t understand why this scripture kept being brought to my attention, I mean I trusted God and I was sure of it. I claimed that I trusted God but when I looked at what the byproducts of my so-called trust in God brought me, I realized that I had a watered-down version of trust. Instead of having peace, joy, and hope I had stress, worry, and doubt; I was only at peace, had joy and was full of hope when I could see things working out or moving in the right direction. I was striving for things to work out because of what I could make happen. I desired to be overflowing with hope and to have joy and peace but realized I couldn’t experience that without truly trusting in God. I had hope that was in others and myself and when things did not pan out, it shattered my trust in people or I’d question myself.
The bottom line was this, when it came to trusting God, I trusted Him but only to a certain extent. Real trust guides you to a place of vulnerability and encourages you to leave the outcome in the hands of the one you trust. When you trust in God you relinquish all control and allow what you desire to be made second to what He desires for you. The beauty in trusting God is that He only wants what is best for you!
If you have ever been skydiving or talk to someone who skydives, you find that two parachutes are required—a main and reserve parachute. The reserve parachute is used if the main parachute malfunctions and is the last resort for a safe landing. I can only imagine that during a parachute malfunction what once felt like an awesome and exhilarating moment has now turned into a feeling of desperation and that’s how some of us trust God. I trusted God but only when my plans fell through, and when my plans fell through, I trusted God because I was desperate—He was literally my last. I know that God should have first place in my life but in the trust department, I made trust in myself and what I could make happen primary.
I have been asking God to show me parts of myself that need to be changed and He showed me that when it came to trusting I chose Him last like He was the last pick for my elementary dodge-ball team. I hate that this was something that I was doing but I am more grateful that I can still redirect my trust! I’m not pointing fingers but maybe you can relate to this issue of shaky trust. I mean, if trusting in God guarantees a life overflowing with hope, why is it so hard to trust Him from the start? Maybe like me you want to be in control of things and have always stuck to your plans or maybe you’ve been let down by too many people and trusting God seems too risky. Whatever the case, know this, the peace, joy, and hope associated with trusting God is worth it. While people, including ourselves, can fail us God will not. If you find your faith shaky at times focus on these scriptures in those wobbly moments and remember that your trust in God is a solid foundation.
“If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?” - Matthew 7:9, The Message Version
“You will keep him in perfect peace, those whose minds are stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” -Isaiah 26:3, New King James Version
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” - Philippians 4:19, New King James Version
“For I know the plans that I have for you” declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11, New International Version