Trusting God

Why we trust people

We trust other people when we know them and are certain that they are honest and reliable. When we trust someone else we relax our defensive mechanisms and become more vulnerable. We communicate openly and show respect for them. Also, we are more forgiving and accepting. These things can only lead to improved social relationships.

Normally we would only trust others when we have a close relationship with them and understand their character. We would be unlikely to trust someone who is of bad character.

If we have had bad experiences with other people we are less inclined to trust them. But the key to development of trust is to get to know the other person. It’s also important that we have a forgiving mindset.

How can we trust God

In the same way that we learn to trust others we can trust God only if we get to know him.   That can be difficult if we have no inclination to learn about him. It is also difficult because we don’t see God in person. However, Jesus Christ, the son of God, did enter the world. This gave a human aspect to God and enabled those who met Jesus to accept him as being “at one with the God the Father”.

Now, in order to get to know God’s character we need to take note of the eyewitness accounts of those who knew Jesus. Those witnesses were John the Baptist; the apostles Peter, John and James; and approximately 500 people who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus after he was crucified. There were also personal testimonies of people who witnessed the many miracles that he performed. 

Of course that calls for faith but not blind faith. It is faith based on evidence and that is something that is worth discussing in another blog. At this stage, it is worth noting that the evidence extends much further than the written eyewitness accounts that are set out in the bible.

But, in my view, God is evidenced by what I experienced in my epiphany. That was a meeting with the Holy Spirit and it brought about profound changes in my life.

Now, you don’t need to believe me but know what should be obvious to everyone. That is, that life is much better when we are not at conflict. It is better if we are focussed on being a good person. As has been said many times what’s good is illustrated by the effects of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Can we cope without God

Of course, we can exist without accepting God into our lives. Some people do that because they fail to recognise his existence. Others, despite their belief, shut God out of their lives as they wish to be in control. If you do have belief in God but shut him out you are exhibiting a lack of trust in him.

Hebrews 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

I am not saying that we can get along fine without God. I don’t believe that we can. It’s in times of trouble that we need him the most. But that doesn’t mean we should only call on him at those times. God should be our primary focus, as this ensures we maintain our faith and a personal relationship.

Psalm 56:3-4 – When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

It’s not about me

It’s certainly not about me. In fact that’s what the first two commandments make clear. The first is about loving God and the second is about loving our neighbours.

As I have said before (see my blog titled “Hearing and connecting with God”) We disconnect from our spiritual side when we unduly focus on self-interest. We lose our focus on helping others.

Philippians 2:3 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Letting go

In order to trust in God we need to let go of many things. 

Most importantly, we need to let go of our ego. An unchecked ego can lead to excessive pride or self-belief. Our ego makes us crave validation of our worth and the approval of others. We need to let go of it as it not only makes us feel superior but also makes us feel that we are the best one to be in control.. How can we let go and trust in God if we believe that we know better.

The bible refers to the problems of being “puffed up with pride’. Not many people like those who are full of themselves or boastful. It’s either a characteristic that we find frustrating or one that takes attention away from ourselves.

We also need to let go of our worries, anger, fear, bitterness and greed. Also, we need to stop punishing ourselves or seeing ourselves as victims. We can only do this if we truly believe in Jesus as our saviour and that we will have everlasting life. If we have those beliefs then we detach from those negative earthly things and can place our trust in a higher power.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 118:8 – It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.

When we focus on self-interest and the negative aspects of our earthly life we become anxious and stressed. If we detach from these things we can find inner peace. 

Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.