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. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.1
How does one gain trust? From a human standpoint, trust is so precarious—it is volatile, unstable, always at the risk of failing; difficult to build and easy to break. Only through testing can we consider one trustworthy.
Not so with God! If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.2 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?3 As we set aside our pride, we can acknowledge his gracious hand. Hasn’t the LORD answered in the day of trouble—in his name has he not come to the rescue?4 Hasn’t he sent you help and given support?5 Haven’t you recalled his favor towards you6—to the extent that he granted your heart’s desire and fulfilled your plans?7 In hindsight, we do realize that God is indeed steadfast and trustworthy.
The gap lies in mankind. God has been steadily extending his invitation to know him. He has given enough for all to know his nature. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.8 [Jesus] himself became flesh and dwelt among us.9 Through the Bible we may know his name, character, and will. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.10
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.11 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.12
May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!13 It is by grace that we are saved through faith. And this is not our own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.14 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.15
Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.16 Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.17
Notes:
1. Proverbs 3:5-8
2. 2 Timothy 1:13
3. Numbers 23:19
4. Psalm 20:1
5. Psalm 20:2
6. Psalm 20:3
7. Psalm 20:4
8. Romans 1:19-20
9. John 1:1-5, 14
10. Jeremiah 29:13
11. Hebrews 13:8
12. Psalm 9:10
13. Psalm 20:5
14. Ephesians 2:8-10
15. Isaiah 26:4
16. Psalm 20:6-7
17. Psalm 25:12-14
