Trust, importance of

Scripture emphasises the importance of putting one's trust in God. This trust, which is nurtured by an understanding of God's revealed truth, finds expression in a life lived according to his purpose. There are examples in Scripture of proper trust being placed in other people.

Grounds for trust in God

Trust in God's power and strength

Exodus 14:31; 2 Timothy 1:12 See also 2 Samuel 22:1–3 parallel Psalm 18:2–3; Psalm 9:9–10, Psalm 115:9–11, Psalm 144:1–2

When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.

For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.

Trust in God's unfailing love

Psalm 13:5 See also Exodus 15:13; Psalm 17:7, Psalm 21:7, Psalm 33:18, Psalm 52:8, Psalm 147:11

But I have trusted in Your loving devotion; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.

Trust in God's salvation

Isaiah 12:2 See also 1 Samuel 17:37; Psalm 22:4–5, Psalm 40:2–3; Isaiah 25:9

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”

Trust nurtured by God's revealed truth

Proverbs 22:19–21 See also Psalm 18:30, Psalm 119:42; Proverbs 30:5; John 12:36, John 14:1–3

So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today — yes, you. Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge, to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?

Expressions of trust in God

Jesus Christ's trust in the Father

Luke 23:46 See also Psalm 31:5, Psalm 22:8; Matthew 27:43; Hebrews 2:13; Isaiah 8:17

Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” And when He had said this, He breathed His last.

King Hezekiah's trust in God

2 Kings 18:5–7 parallel 2 Chronicles 31:20–21 See also 2 Kings 18:30 parallel Isaiah 36:15; 2 Kings 19:14–19 parallel Isaiah 37:14–20; 2 Chronicles 32:20

Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him. He remained faithful to the LORD and did not turn from following Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses. And the LORD was with Hezekiah, and he prospered wherever he went. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him.

Further examples of trust in God

Ruth 2:12 Ruth; 1 Chronicles 5:20 the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh; Daniel 3:17 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; Daniel 6:23 Daniel; Zephaniah 3:12 the meek and humble; Acts 14:23 members of the NT churches

The results of trusting in God

Peace

Isaiah 26:3–4 See also Romans 15:13

You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal.

Security

Psalm 37:3 See also Psalm 32:10, Psalm 125:1; Proverbs 29:25; Isaiah 28:16, Isaiah 57:13

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

Protection from danger

Psalm 25:1–3, Psalm 31:14–15, Psalm 32:7, Psalm 33:18–22, Psalm 91:1–4

Freedom from fear

Psalm 27:1 See also Psalm 23:4, Psalm 34:4, Psalm 56:3–4, Psalm 56:10–11, Psalm 112:7

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread?

Prosperity

Proverbs 28:25 In the OT material prosperity is often seen as a sign of the spiritual wealth that belongs to those who trust God; Proverbs 16:20; Jeremiah 17:7–8

Strength

Isaiah 30:15, Isaiah 40:29–31

Physical life

Psalm 25:20; Jeremiah 39:18, Jeremiah 49:11

Trust in people

God's servants entrusted with responsibility

1 Corinthians 4:1–2 See also Luke 16:1–2; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:14

So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

Trust at home and work

Proverbs 31:10–11 A good wife gives her husband confidence; Titus 2:10 Employees should be trustworthy.

Examples of trusting others

Genesis 39:4 See also Genesis 41:39–40; Exodus 19:9 Moses to be trusted by Israel; 1 Chronicles 9:22 the gatekeepers appointed by David and Samuel; Nehemiah 2:6 Nehemiah is trusted by Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem; Daniel 5:29–6:2 Daniel given responsibility; Philippians 2:25 Paul's confidence in Epaphroditus; 2 Timothy 2:2 Timothy to find others to be entrusted to teach the gospel

Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned.

Continued trust in those who fail

Jonah 3:1–2 God re-appoints Jonah despite earlier disobedience. See also John 21:15 Jesus Christ reinstates Peter after his denial; Acts 15:37–39 Barnabas gives John Mark a second chance.

Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message that I give you.”