8031 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 Ex 14:31; 2Ti 1:12 See also 2Sa 22:1-3 pp Ps 18:2-3; Ps 9:9-10; Ps 115:9-11; Ps 144:1-2

Trust in God’s unfailing love Ps 13:5 See also Ex 15:13; Ps 17:7; Ps 21:7; Ps 33:18; Ps 52:8; Ps 147:11

Trust in God’s salvation Isa 12:2 See also 1Sa 17:37; Ps 22:4-5; Ps 40:2-3; Isa 25:9

Trust nurtured by God’s revealed truth

Pr 22:19-21 See also Ps 18:30; Ps 119:42; Pr 30:5; Jn 12:36; Jn 14:1-3

Expressions of trust in God

Praise and worship Ps 4:5; Ps 28:7; Ps 64:10; Da 3:28

Perseverance in faith Isa 7:4-7; Jer 51:46-47; 2Th 1:4; Heb 10:35-36; Heb 12:2-3; Jas 1:12; Jas 5:11

Holding on to God’s promise 1Ki 8:56-57; Ps 130:5; Ac 26:7; Ro 4:20-21; Col 1:5

Jesus Christ’s trust in the Father

Lk 23:46 See also Ps 31:5; Ps 22:8; Mt 27:43; Heb 2:13; Isa 8:17

King Hezekiah’s trust in God

2Ki 18:5-7 pp 2Ch 31:20-21 See also 2Ki 18:30 pp Isa 36:15; 2Ki 19:14-19 pp Isa 37:14-20; 2Ch 32:20

Further examples of trust in God

Ru 2:12 Ruth; 1Ch 5:20 the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh; Da 3:17 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; Da 6:23 Daniel; Zep 3:12 the meek and humble; Ac 14:23 members of the NT churches

The results of trusting in God

Peace Isa 26:3-4 See also Ro 15:13

Security Ps 37:3 See also Ps 32:10; Ps 125:1; Pr 29:25; Isa 28:16; Isa 57:13

Protection from danger Ps 25:1-3; Ps 31:14-15; Ps 32:7; Ps 33:18-22; Ps 91:1-4

Freedom from fear Ps 27:1 See also Ps 23:4; Ps 34:4; Ps 56:3-4,10-11; Ps 112:7

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

Strength Isa 30:15; Isa 40:29-31

Physical life Ps 25:20; Jer 39:18; Jer 49:11

Trust in people

God’s servants entrusted with responsibility 1Co 4:1-2 See also Lk 16:1-2; 1Th 2:4; 2Ti 1:14

Trust at home and work Pr 31:10-11 A good wife gives her husband confidence; Tit 2:10 Employees should be trustworthy.

Examples of trusting others Ge 39:4 See also Ge 41:39-40; Ex 19:9 Moses to be trusted by Israel; 1Ch 9:22 the gatekeepers appointed by David and Samuel; Ne 2:6 Nehemiah is trusted by Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem; Da 5:29-6:2 Daniel given responsibility; Php 2:25 Paul’s confidence in Epaphroditus; 2Ti 2:2 Timothy to find others to be entrusted to teach the gospel

Continued trust in those who fail Jnh 3:1-2 God re-appoints Jonah despite earlier disobedience. See also Jn 21:15 Jesus Christ reinstates Peter after his denial; Ac 15:37-39 Barnabas gives John Mark a second chance.

See also