If you’ve ever thought, “Will God really come through for me?”, you’re not alone. Find out why you can trust the Lord, what it really means to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and how to trust God more every single day.
He’s answered them all. Every. Single. Prayer. And 99% have been answered “my way,” or even better than I could have imagined.
But that mysterious 1%. The prayers that I pray for years, over and over, followed by what feels like silence. The answers I search so desparately for, but can’t find.
How can I trust God in these moments?
My human brain wants God to be figure-outable. My quest to answer perplexing questions is my futile attempt to understand God and put Him in a box.
But that’s not the God of the Bible.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
– Isaiah 55:8-9
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Do you struggle to trust God when you can’t figure Him out or understand His plan?
Especially in these moments, we must trust Him. But how?
First, let’s get clear on why He’s worthy of our trust.
Why do I struggle trusting God? (He is trustworthy)
Do you ever wonder, “Why do I struggle trusting God?” Many times, deep down, our question is really, “How do I trust God when everything is going wrong?” Because it’s a lot easier to trust Him when everything is going right.
Before we discuss how to trust God, we need to know why (which really is the heart of the matter).
It boils down to this: I can trust God because He’s proven Himself to me.
When you trust someone in your everyday life, what do you base that trust on? The fact that they’ve treated you well and shown you honesty over and over. They’ve earned your trust.
It’s similar with God. So, how does God prove His trustworthiness to us?
- Through His character qualities in the Bible. When you study, you learn the character of God and how He cares for His people. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8).
- Through His care for you in your life. Looking back on your life to this point, can you count the ways God has shown care for you? Taking time to reflect will help you see that God is worthy of your trust.
- Through the cross. If nothing else, the cross is more than enough proof that God has earned your trust. He will was willing to die so you might live. There is no greater love!
“I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away. What other answer would suffice?”
– C.S. Lewis
Related Post: 30 “God is Faithful” Bible Verses to Build Your Confidence
What does it mean to trust in the Lord? (A Look at Proverbs 3)
Now that we know who God is and that we can trust Him, let’s look at what that means from a Biblical standpoint. Let’s study the context of Proverbs 3, where we are admonished to “trust in the Lord with all your heart.”
My son, do not forget my teaching,
– Proverbs 3:1-8
but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you.
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man.
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.
The chapter begins with encouragement to remember God’s teachings – a major theme of the entire book of Proverbs.
This is a big part of trusting – knowing what God says, believing it to be true, and obeying Him (even when we don’t get it).
In fact, one of the biggest mistakes humans often make is trusting their own heart or feelings instead of God alone. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
So we know that we can’t trust our own heart – instead, we must trust in the Lord with all our heart. This means listening to what HE says, believing it, and acting on it! That’s how to trust God completely.
When we take God at His word, we acknowledge that He knows better than us. We stop trying to “figure Him out” and start accepting that He’s got it all figured out.
How to Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart, Step-by-Step
Now that we know God is trustworthy, and that trusting means taking God at His word, let’s talk about some practical ways we can demonstrate our trust every. single. day. How do you truly trust God?
1. Acknowledge God’s sovereignty
The foundation of trust is knowing. With God, it’s knowing His BIG-ness. That He is utterly in control of all things. And that He knows so much better than us.
When we begin to understand this, we take the first step toward genuine trust.
Think about how children trust their parents. They don’t need to know how the parents do everything – they simply rest in the knowledge of that they are bigger, stronger, wiser.
Action Step: Say this prayer, “Dear Lord, You are high above all. There is none like You. Forgive me when I lose sight of your amazing power. I know Your ways are so much higher than mine, and I can never understand You. Today I acknowledge that You know better than me. Help me to submit to Your wisdom.”
2. Look for God’s goodness
After understanding God’s sovereignty, we must also believe in His goodness. Not only is He in control, He exercises that control for good.
If you don’t quite believe that God is good, you will have a hard time trusting Him fully.
Joseph is a perfect example of trusting God’s goodness. While no one would describe the circumstances of his life as “good,” Joseph never lost faith in God’s goodness. He knew that God worked even bad situations for His ultimate good.
Listen to how Joseph responds to His brothers years after they sell him into slavery and hardship:
Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
– Genesis 50:19-20
If you’re struggling to see God’s goodness, remember Joseph. Think about how God can create beauty from ashes. And if doubt is one of the reasons you’re struggling to trust God, be sure to read my post Dear Christian Struggling with Doubt.
Action Step: As you go through your day, keep track of your blessings. A gratitude journal is great for this. When God works in your life, record His providence. Even in hardships, realize that good may come even from that, in ways you might never see.
3. Trust in the Bible & Study With Intent
Friend, the bible IS trustworthy! You can trust in the Bible, and studying it leads to greater trust in God.
There are many proofs that the Bible is the infalliable word of God, and one of the most important things you can learn as a Christian is how to follow God through the Bible instead of simply “following your heart.”
It takes more effort, but when you approach bible study with a genuine intent of seeing God’s character, you’ll begin to trust Him more.
For me, it’s easy to view bible reading as a “to-do” item on a checklist. But when I approach God’s Word as something to take in slowly, digest, and enjoy, I come away with a deeper understanding.
This type of study helps you form a more complete picture of who God is, which helps you feel closer to Him.
And the more you know God’s word, the more you’ll be able to trust Him – because you’ll have the knowledge of His will for your life! After all, you can’t trust the design if you don’t know the Designer.
Do you need help with this kind of in-depth, genuine bible study?
I know you’ll benefit from the “Woman After God” printable pack. It is the perfect resource for any woman who is chasing God.
With 20+ pages of resources, you’ll learn to study the Bible effectively and answer deep burning spiritual questions.
This printable pack includes the “What Should I Study?” guide, which holds your hand teaches you exactly how to create a study plan based on your questions. Also included is a real-life study example, so you can watch the process unfold step-by-step.
It also includes prayer resources that will spark your communication with God and keep your dialogue going throughout the day.
If you ever think, “I want to grow closer to God, but I have no idea where to start,” this printable pack will absolutely help.
4. Ask God to help you trust Him more
The very fact that you are reading this post shows your heart’s desire to trust God more. This makes Him very happy!
But inside, you may be asking, “How do I stop being scared and trust God?”
Let’s face it, God knows everything. He knows if you are struggling to trust Him and grow your faith. And He wants to help!
Related post: The Ultimate Prayer Journaling Guide to Ignite Your Prayer Life
So, be honest with Him. Tell Him everything you’re feeling, whether you’re scared, sad, mad, or frustrated. Let Him know where you need help, and how you want to grow.
To help you in your quest, grab these beautiful “My God & I” prayer prompt cards below!
5. Act in Trust
Finally, as you continue your journey to know God better and discover His trustworthiness, it’s time to act on that trust! Show God you believe Him by obeying Him in your actions.
Put into practice Psalm 37:3, “Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.”
How can you “trust in the Lord and do good” today? Are you sure you’re living your life in obedience to Him? Here are some thoughts to consider:
- Have you studied what the Bible says about how to be saved, and followed through on those instructions? Here’s a free online study course that will help you understand the Bible.
- Are you worshipping in a way that makes Him happy?
- Is there sin in your life that’s gone unchecked? Do you need help conquering it?
- What’s that one thing you know God wants you to do that you haven’t done because you’re afraid? Do you trust Him enough to act on it?
Trust in the Lord Bible Verses
Now that we’ve discussed what trusting God is and how to trust Him step-by-step, I wanted to give you some of the best bible verses about trusting God to carry with you on your journey. Post these around your home and meditate on them throughout the day!
Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Psalm 28:7 – The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Psalm 9:10 – And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 112:7 – He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Psalm 37:4-6 – Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I pray that these tips have helped you learn how to trust God completely and gain confidence in the Lord in a deeper way. If you found it helpful, would you mind sharing it using the social share buttons at the bottom of your screen?
Want some more encouragement on trusting God? You’ll like:
- How to Trust God Instead of Your Feelings
- 5 Ways You Try to Trust God, but Fail (plus how to fix it!)
- 15 Top Posts on Trusting God
- Psalm 23 Explained Beautifully
What’s the hardest part about learning to trust God? Do you have any insight to share?
PIN IT!
I tried trusting. For 30 years I’ve begged for the right marriage partner. Met a “christian” man and He proposed. We were engaged for a year. I prayed that my house not sell unless it be in the will of God. I begged God to not let me make another mistake. My house sold in what seem like perfect timing, god’s timing. We were married a few days after my house sold. Honeymooned in Ireland.Within a week of returning home, my husband was calling me foul names and trying to get his hands on my money.I tried so hard to work it out. I stayed for 18 months in what seem like living Hell. He called me the most horrible foul names I’ve ever heard. How do I trust God now?
So sorry this happened to you, Leann. Sometimes things happen in this life we don’t understand. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
It helps me to remember that when bad things are happening that don’t make sense – Jesus experienced suffering too. He can still use a bad situation for good. Keep putting your faith in Him – He has proven His love by dying for you!
People will let us down in this life. Jesus warns us that some will claim to be “Christians” but actually are wolves in sheep’s clothing. We can’t let the actions of others undermine our faith in God. God is the one we can truly put our trust in. Prayers and hugs!
Lee I relate with your situation.
I sought God’s will for a husband, sought the counsel of my chaplain before accepting his marriage proposal. 35years down, the thorn from our marriage has remained my greatest challenge in my Christian journey.
My consolation comes from knowing that he is the best I could get in a world with men with hearts that are desperately wicked.
I hurt to the point of seeking knowledge on how to move on without affecting my communion with God: the only true, sovereign, faithful Omnipresent Omnscience Omniscient God Who loves me most. There is none faithful, loving merciful, wise, peace-giving and holy as our God.
How do you trust God when He has allowed so much bad in your life? I want to trust completely but am always questioning if He will allow something else bad to happen?
Thank you for your honest question Susie – it’s one I’ve struggled with myself. I definitely don’t claim to have all the answers to this. One thing that helps me is to remember that none of us truly “deserve” having everything be good. Even Jesus suffered brutally. When I’m hurting I think about how Jesus did too, He understands, and that brings me comfort. And he can use our suffering for good and to fulfill our purpose, while Satan wants to use it to destroy us. One good book for this is “Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering” by Timothy Keller.
also doesn’t 1 Peter talk about that God uses suffering to make us more like Jesus? That what Satan means for evil God means for good. And we can pray for wisdom to go through suffering.
That is so true, Bonnie! What a blessing. I needed to remember that today.
I’m thankful for this post. I struggle on how to trust God. I hope by following these guidelines that I will see a change in my life. Thank you.
Brenda, I think we’ve all struggled with this at one time or another. Keep studying and praying! Hugs and prayers for you ❤️
Hi Mary just saw your website wow I’m praying for those who left a message,we all have troubles and heartache in our life’s as a Christian woman for 50 more years I still struggle now and then I have a wonderful husband of 45 years we struggle still on and off keep praying and have your eyes on the Lord. He is faithful and true he will never leave us at all. Thx Cindy from Colorado
Cindy, your beautiful message warmed my heart. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I have struggles in my Christian walk also, and it’s such a blessing to know we are never alone. With our brothers, sisters, and especially JESUS we can make it!
Hello I JUST FOUND THIS SIGHT I READ EVERYONE MESSAGES MY PROBLEM IT’S HARD TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE. I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR WISDOM FOR A LONG TIME NOTHING HAPPENS IM JUST LEARNING ABOUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS IT’S VERY INTERESTING TO NO ABOUT HIS BLOOD WHAT IT CAN DO I’M A PASTOR WIFE PUT THE ENEMY IS BLOCKING ME PLEASE PRAY FOR ME
I will pray for you Eva! Keep reading and studying, and I know you will come to a deeper understanding. I also recommend the book “Muscle and a Shovel.”
I’m a pastor of a small church, I have been learning to trust the Lord since late1973. I heard God speak to me one night (about 6 months old in the Lord) He said Trust Me. I went to sleep thinking about that. At 5 the next morning I woke up, got sown on my knees and with anger in my heart and voice I said to Him why should I trust you are you any different than a man? Four four years after that question all I could see when I opened my Bible was “Trust”. Your the first one to even use some scriptures to help people trust. Most use one scripture and go off telling a story of how God helped them. Anyway, I am back looking for more answers and how to go on trusting God. He is holding me and His visions, given in 1978 and 1984, have not come to pass. I know He is God but I have waited a long time with Him telling me “Trust Me”, over and over again. All these years I have lived for these visions to come and all He does is hold me and say trust Me. I am telling you more than I have shared with anyone else. Maybe you have some thoughts.
Thank you for sharing your journey. If you make sure you are following God’s word, this is how you demonstrate your trust in God. If you study and obey Him, He is sure to be pleased with you.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful tips on “How To Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart”. I am very encouraged by what was written and will practice those 5 steps because I have a better understanding. I struggle with being in control over events in my life, and what you have shared has helped me with this struggle. I appreciate and will implement your suggestions. I will journal daily the blessings God has shown me. I am copying the scriptures down to meditate on. Again, thank you and God Bless!
Victoria, thank you for your encouraging comments. God is so good. Prayers as you go on your journey with Him.
Mary Thank you for your powerful teaching on trusting in God. I pray that God will open our eyes to understand on puting our trust in the Lord. Their is blessings that follow those who put their trust in the Lord. Example of men and women that trust the Lord. David, Daniel, Joshep, Deborah, Esther, Mary and many others.
Thank you and bless you!
I struggle trusting God fully, because I always have doubts. I’m in the process of repenting, and I keep falling into sin. It’s my fault , but I am making progress. I find it hard to imagine he’ll listen to me sometimes. There’s this verse in the bible which states the prayer of a sinner is an abomination, and I can’t help feeling like it is . I’m afraid of so many things that can happen, like that I’ll lose the Holy Spirit conpletely, or I’ll go beyond forgiveness, or that I think I’m saved and live my whole life not actually being saved.
We all have struggles and doubts, it can be a challenge. That’s why we have to know the Word of God and live within His promises. Keep studying and praying!
For the last three years I’ve struggled with my faith and trusting God. I felt as though God left me to find my own way. I became depressed and lost. I got caught up in an environment where I was suppose to lead a team through a testing process and eventually everybody passed on the first try and I failed. I even failed on my second try. I stunk into depression and just concluded that God couldn’t care or love me to allow me such embarrassment, shame, and total disgrace. Why did God let this happen to me when I prayed and depended solely on Him? What did I do wrong? I thought did I anger God. What did I do? I wished a many days that God would just take my life. Now it’s time to take this test one last time. I studied how hard and so much on my first two tries. I knew all the material. I prayed and prayed but did I really trust God? I don’t know. I had mounds of fear anxiety. Since failing twice I’ve found a new beginning in my relationship with God. God has removed my fears, doubts, etc. but my flesh sometimes have flashbacks. Please advise as I prepare for my final try. I will never give up on God it doesn’t matter how many struggles and challenges I face. I know God loves me because He sent His son who died for me. I’m eternally gratefully. My soul belongs to God. I just want to trust and believe on and in God completely.
Thank you for sharing your story Jessica. We all face trials and times of testing in our Christian walk. Satan wants to use these times to discourage you and make you give up, but don’t listen to Him! Keep listening to God, He will love you NO MATTER WHAT. It doesn’t matter to Him if you fail at pursuits or tests in this life, as long as you succeed in getting to Heaven by obeying His Word! God bless you.
Praise The Lord in Jesus name The Saints of The Most High!!!
We Trust The Lord with our whole heart by obeying His Word.
I have Fibromyalgia and I wake up screeming from the pan. I pray that one day i’ll feel the help of God. Until such time i’l keep the faith.
I am so sorry! May you feel God l’s presence in these tough times.
Hello, how do you trust God when it seems your life is one giant roller-coaster? Ever since I got married is as if all hell broke loose over our home. Kids came late, I fell ill for 5 years, we lost our life savings treating treating a phantom sickness and now our home is broken up as the wife walked out. I try to make sense of it all and I cant cause am like what happened to having a good life? My saving grace is post like yours that makes me reflect and thank God for my kids, my resurgent health and business and hope for the future. In all God is very good and I know He will restore whatever the devil has stolen if we dont give up and keep believing. Please keep my wife in prayers and God bring her home in Jesus name. Amen
I can relate to life feeling like a roller coaster. I’m so sorry for all that’s happened to you and will pray for you and your wife! Just keep praying and studying Gods Word and He will help you through.
Thank you so much Mary I am encouraged and yes I will Keep trusting God