The Nature of Godly Trust
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion which cannot be moved but abides forever. (Psalm 125:1)
There is a thin line existing between faith and trust in God. Faith in God is active, always seeking to gain control of situations and circumstances; trust is passive, relinquishing control of situations to God, being still and waiting for divine intervention (Psalm 46:10). Faith emphasizes the now or present reality, while trust transcends time into eternity. Faith, at times, could be an event, while trust is more of a process. Prophet Elijah through confidence in God called fire down from heaven and slew 450 idol worshippers at Mount Carmel. Few moments later, this great prophet was running from Queen Jezebel who threatened to kill him for slaying the 450 idol worshippers. Prophet Elijah demonstrated faith in God on an occasion, but a total lack of trust in God when he ran away from Jezebel (1 Kings 18 & 19). Below are some characteristics of TRUST in God:
Trust is commitment: From time to time, new born babies are brought to church for dedication. These babies are being committed and entrusted to God to keep and ensure a blessed future for them. Likewise as Christians, our souls are entrusted to God to keep and ensure a glorious destiny for us in Heaven. Jesus is the Bishop and Shepherd of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). A trusting heart relinquishes control of things beyond him or her to God.
Reliance on God honors Him: God was displeased when King David counted his army to assess his military prowess over neighboring countries. He looked away from God who really was the secret to his military successes. God felt dishonored, and hence decided to punish David (2 Samuel 24). Men trust in different things such as money, good education, good health system, social connections, etc. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in men” (Psalm 118:8).
Understanding God engenders trust in Him: Because Job understood God’s ways, His covenants and dealings with him, he trusted God implicitly in his travails and troubles. As a result, he made statements such as “even though He slay me yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15) and “I know My Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25). Job was unshaken in his belief because He understood the ways of God.
Surrender and trust are partners: The more one surrenders to God, the deeper the trust he or she exercises in Him. Apostle Peter slept off in a prison knowing he would likely be killed by King Herod after the Passover celebrations. He was not deterred or moved, despite the threat on his life. This was possible because he was totally surrendered and submitted to God. His assurance of deliverance by God was total because he was in God’s perfect will.
Trust is an inward matter: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3). Trust in God is cultivated as we set our mind on God and His word. This trust manifests as inward peace in trouble times; restfulness in times of turmoil and great danger; Godly assurance when we hear bad news. Anxiety and trust don’t coexist. Worry and trust also don’t coexist. When worry is rife in our lives, it means we are not trusting God.
Conclusion
Those who trust in the Lord are described as well watered gardens whose leaves are green all seasons through. They are described as the blessed of the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7-8). They are unmoved and unshaken, and are like Mount Zion which cannot be moved. Where is your trust?
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
www.rccgpittsburgh.org