How To Trust God Completely Even In Difficult Times

Photo of author

Published by Kimberly Wall

||

Co-Founder, Disciple Group Leader, Author

Last Updated:


Editorial Policy and Guidelines

Our content is expertly crafted and reviewed by theologians and scholars, ensuring accuracy and relevance by referencing reliable sources, primarily the Bible. Before publication and significant updates, we rigorously confirm the factual integrity, delivering well-informed articles grounded in biblical teachings

Life today is unpredictable. Along the way, there are ups and downs. Many of us desire to put our faith in God’s promises. It is easier when things are going well. However, it is much more important to trust God when things are difficult.

As a Christian, knowing how to trust God completely is a core part of true and saving faith, which turns to God and finds peace, strength, satisfaction, and much more in him and everything he has done, is doing, and will do in the future.

Key Takeaways

  • Trusting God involves believing in His reliability, honesty, capacity, and strength, and recognizing that even in difficult times, His love and promises remain steadfast.
  • The Bible encourages us to rely solely on God, highlighting examples of faith in difficult circumstances and assuring us of His eternal faithfulness and the fulfillment of His great promises.
  • Overcoming challenges in trusting God can be aided by being honest about doubts, seeking community support, studying Scripture, and remembering God’s past faithfulness, all of which strengthen our relationship with Him.

What Does It Mean To Trust God?

As Christians, we must have fought hard in challenging situations. What is the most accurate and reliable way to trust God? Trusting God means giving up control.

Learning to trust something means believing in its reliability, honesty, capacity, or strength. So, trusting God means believing in his trustworthiness, his word, his capability, and his power. God, according to the Bible, cannot lie. He always follows through on his promises.

He loves us and has beautiful things planned for us. Trusting him entails trusting that what he says about himself, the world, and us is genuine. Even though life is painful and nothing we have asked God for has turned out the way we hoped, trusting him means we keep turning to him and away from the doubters. Trust grows as you look for God’s presence in what feels dark and heavy.

We keep praying, even though it appears that our prayers have no effect. It is not about dismissing our feelings or reality when we trust God. It does not imply that everything is alright when it is not. Trusting God means believing in and obeying God even when things are difficult.

What The Bible Says About Trusting God

Because of who he is in the perfection of his being, everything about God is trustworthy. The Bible explains this tremendous reality in two ways: first, it warns us against putting our reliance on anybody or anything other than God; and second, it depicts his distinct love for us.

If we talk to people about faith, it starts with Hebrews chapters 11–12. The chapter has also been commonly referred to as “The Faith” since it shows examples of Bible characters who trusted God in every circumstance.

This is one of our best teaching tools for believing in God. But faith and constantly seeing the number 111 are the substance of what we want and are manifestations of things we have not even witnessed. That is what we are meant to be. The evidence is in the background.

We are called to rely on the Lord, our God, rather than anything created, for good reason, and answer. He is the uncreated, eternal creator, not a creature (Hebrews 11:3). Time does not constrain Him, and He will never disappear. Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust God with all your heart and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

God’s holy word is true, and he maintains all of his promises (John 17:17; Numbers 23:19). “The man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord,” declares the Lord, and he will be blessed, for the Lord cannot lie and will keep all of his promises.

The Bible is full of valuable and very great promises that have to do with our complete redemption and admittance into our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s eternal reign (2 Peter 2:3–11). We trust in Jesus’ name, the eternal Word of God (John 1:1), as we hear the gospel of Christ, which is God’s ability to rescue anyone who believes (Romans 1:16). We stand firm on this rock and will not be moved (Psalm 62:6–7).

The gospel’s revelation of Christ’s deity and his death, burial, and resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith in him (Romans 10:9). The only way, the truth, and the life through which humanity can come to know God and have a personal relationship with him is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

These promises are not only great in and of themselves, but we can trust them because they are God’s message to us, and their fulfillment will be more than we can ask for or imagine (Ephesians 1:20).

Why Do We Struggle To Trust God?

Trusting God is challenging. This is the dread connected with the once-popular “trust fall” exercise. We could not tell if our friends were waiting for us. We could not see them, even if we did not hear them go away. We cannot see God. Therefore, trusting him is quite difficult. Here are some reasons why we struggle to trust God and rely on ourselves to resolve every problem that comes our way:

Limited Understanding

The first reason we have trouble trusting God is our limited wisdom and knowledge. When it comes to human history, we see little. It is difficult to understand how suffering fits into God’s ultimate purpose. We are taught to believe that God’s purpose is good and right, yet it is hard to recognize things when they’re challenging.

This is true in our personal lives, in our understanding, and on a larger scale. It is tough to understand how this is part of a good plan when we continue to face numerous problems and all of the difficulties that come with them.

God’s people have battled throughout history. It has never been simple to trust God. It was not easy for the people of God to cross the Red Sea as their enemies closed in on them. It was not easy for New Testament Christians to be beaten for their trust in Jesus Christ. Christians continue to suffer in many ways around the world today.

We Blame God’s Word

When tragedy happens in life or a series of catastrophes occur, it is natural for us to grapple with questions and uncertainties. We may be tempted to lay the blame at God’s feet, questioning why he did not intervene.

In such moments, it is important to remember that there are other things at play and things God works through that we may not fully understand. While it may be a lot easier to point fingers and question his trustworthiness, it is essential to recognize that our limited perspective only allows us to see a fraction of the bigger picture. God’s ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are beyond our comprehension.

It is important to remember that God’s goodness and faithfulness do not depend on our understanding or approval of his actions. Even when we cannot comprehend the reasons behind certain events, we can find solace in knowing that God is still sovereign and in control.

We can trust that he has a purpose and a plan, even if they remain hidden from us. Instead of getting caught up in trying to pinpoint one thing or attribute blame, we can choose to lean on his promises and seek his guidance in navigating through difficult times.

Rather than allowing doubt to erode our faith, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us, offering his love, strength, and wisdom to sustain us.

Seeing God’s work in your life can aggravate the problem. We may begin to believe that God has either targeted or disregarded us. People who have been burned in the past find it difficult to trust.

person kneeling before jesus with a glowing halo at night and how to trust god completely

Ways To Trust God Completely

We feel safe being honest with someone we trust about anything. God, our Lord, is far more dependable than even our most trustworthy buddy. He does not expect us to keep our sentiments to ourselves when things are tough. He encourages us to pour out our hearts to him and share our joys, fears, and struggles.

The Holy Spirit, as our divine counselor, provides comfort, guidance, and understanding in times of need. Trusting God and relying on his faithfulness brings us solace and assurance that we are never alone in our journey.

He listens attentively, offers wisdom, and walks with us through every season of life. So let us approach our Lord God with openness and vulnerability, knowing that he welcomes our honest expressions and embraces us with his unfailing love.

Here are some practical ways to put our trust in God in our daily lives and fully rely on him for daily provisions and sustenance:

Express Your Doubts

Be truthful. God feels for us. Allow God to remind us of who he is and what he promises, and then tell him the truth. We can tell God how we are feeling and where we are having trouble trusting him, and we can trust that the Lord hears us.

This allows us to realize that God is more significant than we can comprehend. Going to church and confessing enables us to become more modest and trusting of ourselves. He hears and responds to our petitions. He wants to assist us in developing our beliefs.

Share Your Worries With Your Colleagues

We are not alone in these trying times. Every step of the way, the Lord is with us. He also provides us with other Christians with whom we can walk and spend time, and he gives us hope in trusting people.

Through encouragement and accountability, fellow believers, such as our family, a friend we trust, and the church, can teach and remind us of God’s character. They can pray for us and offer us support. When we are struggling, they might serve as a reminder of the truth. Even in difficult times, the community reminds us not to worry because we are never alone.

Seek The Truth In The Scripture

Seek God’s word in the Bible. When we are uncertain, the loving God knows that we need somewhere to go; it is in his words. It is constant and thoroughly reliable.

God’s past responses to tough times are recorded in the Bible, and God demonstrates them. It serves as a reminder that he is trustworthy in all circumstances. Many people in the Bible use references to other parts of the Bible to encourage themselves.

Paying Attention To Reasons To Be Thankful

God invites us to express gratitude. He is constantly at work in our lives and around the world. It can be challenging to understand how the Good Father is at work when everything appears to be coming apart, but know that his kindness is constant.

Giving thanks combats the delusion that everything is terrible. There will be brightness, God’s grace, and goodness even in the saddest circumstances. And if you continually see the number 555, it’s a sign of God’s abundant grace.

God is present and manifesting himself with the help of the Holy Spirit. All we have to do is look. Our faith deepens as we search for God’s presence in what feels dark and burdensome. During these problems, he never goes away.

Trust In The Lord

Trusting God is simply believing that he loves you and knowing that he is good, has the power to help you, and wants to help you. During difficult times, when we face challenges and uncertainties, it is important to remember that the Lord is with us.

He stands above and beyond any problem or obstacle we encounter. In our waiting, he provides us with the strength and support we need to endure. It is in these moments that our faith is tested and refined.

Even when it seems like God is silent or distant, we must hold on to the truth that he never overlooks our lives. His love for us is unwavering, and his promises are steadfast. It is during these hard times that we may question why certain things are happening or why God’s response seems delayed. However, we can trust God that he is always at work, orchestrating things beyond our understanding. Our circumstances do not limit Him, but He has a greater plan in motion.

During difficulties, we must keep our hearts open to the possibility that God may be working in ways we cannot comprehend. His timing and his ways are higher than ours. As we trust in his faithfulness and surrender our concerns to him, we can find peace and hope.

We can rest assured that God is in control, and he has a purpose for every situation. Even when we cannot see the full picture, we can have confidence that he is working all things together for our good.

What To Do When The Trust Falters

Even if we do not see our prayers answered or our difficulties fixed right away, God is trustworthy. Life can be unpredictable and challenging at times, and difficulties may last longer than anticipated. It may even push us to the limit of our endurance. So, what are our options?

Have Faith

Just wait, have faith and hope, say your prayers, and remember that God loves us. God’s faithfulness means trustworthiness. Even in the middle of our difficulties, you must trust him to save us, provide for us, and be with us. God is trustworthy, yet he does not expect us to trust him completely. As we get to know him, he wants us to learn to trust him.

We can learn about God by spending time with him, praying, and studying his word. Spend some time studying Scripture about God’s faithfulness. These ways can also strengthen our relationship with God.

Remember God’s Words

Remember his promises and love God in times of doubt. His words can be read through different Bible study tools. Always remember who he was from the beginning. Even if we are filled with doubt and confusion, God loves us unconditionally. He will consistently demonstrate his trustworthiness if we keep turning to him. In our moments of weakness and despair, let us remember that only Jesus can truly satisfy the longings of our hearts.

When we cry out to him in our righteous anguish, Christ Jesus, who understands our every struggle, is there to comfort and guide us. His love knows no bounds, and his grace is always available to uplift and restore us.

So, even in uncertainty, let us hold fast to the truth that God’s love remains steadfast, and through our faith in Jesus, we can find solace, hope, and the assurance that we are never alone on this journey.

Make It Impossible To Spell Out “No Way”

Mindfulness helps build resilience as we fully trust God and spend time in his presence. It is natural for our faith to be challenged at times, and doubts may arise, but we can take comfort in knowing that God’s steadfast love remains unwavering. He assures us that he will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, and he provides a way out.

When we embrace this truth and align our hearts with him, he guides us and makes our paths straight. It is important to remember that our struggles and temptations are not unique; they are common to all of humanity.

By keeping the big picture in mind and relying on God’s faithfulness, we can find the strength to overcome. So, let us cultivate mindfulness and trust in God, knowing that he is with us every step of the way, leading us toward his perfect plan for our lives.

person kneeling before jesus in the clouds and how to trust god completely

Final Thoughts

Life can be full of joy and challenging at times. It may seem impossible to trust God in the face of adversity. However, no matter where we are or what we are going through right now, God personally wants to be there for us. Once we have fully trusted God, he will show us all the extraordinary things in life.

We read stories in the Bible about people who overcame unfathomable challenges. Those situations were, without a doubt, impossible in human terms (see number 44 for explanations about how we relate to situations in life). Here is something essential to remember: when the impossible meets God, we must shift our mindset and say, “Pray, and with God, anything is possible [1].”

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does It Mean To Trust God?

To trust God means to believe in His faithfulness, truth, power, and love, accepting that He is reliable in all situations, even when circumstances are challenging.

Why Is It Important To Trust God?

It is important to trust God because trust is the foundation of our relationship with Him; it allows us to find peace, strength, and guidance in His promises, especially during difficult times.

How Can I Trust God When Things Are Hard?

You can trust God when things are hard by praying, reading the Bible, remembering His faithfulness in the past, and sharing your struggles with a supportive community that can remind you of God’s presence and promises.

What Does The Bible Say About Trusting God?

The Bible says that trusting God involves leaning not on our own understanding but acknowledging Him in all our ways, for He will make our paths straight, showcasing His reliability and the fulfillment of His promises.

Why Do I Struggle To Trust God?

You might struggle to trust God due to limited understanding, personal hardships, or past disappointments, which can make it hard to see His plan and purpose in your life.

How Can I Strengthen My Trust In God?

You can strengthen your trust in God by spending time in prayer, immersing yourself in Scripture, engaging with a faith community, and practicing thankfulness for His presence and work in your life.

1 thought on “How To Trust God Completely Even In Difficult Times”

Leave a Comment