Trusting God No Matter What: A Complete Guide
Life can be unpredictable and full of hardship. From losing a job to the death of a loved one, we all face difficulties that can shake our faith. In trying times, it’s normal to have doubts and questions. How can we continue to trust God when bad things happen?
This comprehensive guide will provide key biblical truths, personal stories, and practical ways to build unshakable trust in God no matter what happens.
What Does the Bible Say About Trusting God in Hard Times
God’s Sovereignty Over All Things
The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over everything that happens in our lives, both good and bad (Daniel 4:35, Proverbs 16:33, Lamentations 3:37-38). He allows trials and suffering to come into our lives for His greater purposes of growing our faith and dependence on Him.
We can be confident that God is in control and will work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). This truth provides comfort and hope in difficult seasons of life.
Some key verses:
- “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21).
- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
- “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
Though trials are difficult, we can trust that God holds our lives in His hands and allows suffering to purify and strengthen our faith in Him.
God’s Good Plans and Purposes
God promises that His plans and purposes for us are always good, even when we are facing trials and uncertainty (Jeremiah 29:11). He uses difficult circumstances to mold us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29) and to produce perseverance, character, and hope within us (Romans 5:3-4).
Hardships also deepen our intimacy with God as we learn to rely on Him more.
Bible verses that highlight God’s good plans:
- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:28-29)
- “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).
We can take heart that God’s perfect will is being accomplished in our lives, even if it’s painful in the moment. His plans far exceed our limited human understanding.
God’s Faithfulness and Unfailing Love
No matter what trials we face, we can fully rely on God’s faithfulness and steadfast love. He promises to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Throughout the ups and downs of life, God remains constant. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).
Verses about God’s faithful love:
- “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34).
- “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness'” (Jeremiah 31:3).
- “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
We can fully rely on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Through prayer, reading His Word, and staying connected to Him, we will find strength to endure any trial that comes our way.
Examples of Saints Who Trusted God Through Trials
Job – Trusting God Despite Losing Everything
The story of Job in the Old Testament is a powerful example of trusting God even when everything is taken away. Job was a wealthy, God-fearing man with a large family. But Satan challenged God that Job only loved God because of his blessings.
So God allowed Satan to test Job by removing all his possessions, killing his children, and afflicting him with a terrible disease (Job 1-2). Despite intense grief and physical suffering, Job refused to curse God (Job 1:20-22).
He wrestled to understand why he was suffering yet remained confident in God’s sovereignty and goodness. Even Job’s wife told him to “curse God and die” but Job responded, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:9-10).
After losing everything, Job declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). Job’s steadfast faith despite horrendous trials encourages believers today to trust God even when suffering seems senseless.
Joseph – Trusting God’s Plan Despite Betrayal and Imprisonment
Joseph in the book of Genesis went through incredible betrayals and setbacks, yet held onto faith in God’s good plan. As a young man, Joseph was thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his jealous brothers (Genesis 37:12-36).
In Egypt, Joseph was wrongfully imprisoned for years after being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:6-20). But Joseph cultivated a character of integrity and excellence, eventually rising to become Pharaoh’s right hand man at age 30, all while giving glory to God (Genesis 41:37-57).
Years later, Joseph had the grace to forgive and reconcile with his brothers, saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:15-21). Despite unjust treatment, Joseph trusted God was working everything for an ultimate good purpose.
David – Trusting God to Deliver Him From Saul
David, the future king of Israel, had to flee for his life for many years as King Saul sought to murder him out of jealousy. Even as a young man, David had been secretly anointed by Samuel as Israel’s next king after Saul’s disobedience (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
But rather than take matters into his own hands, David trusted and waited on God’s timing to make him king. Saul pursued David obsessively across the wilderness of Judah and Israel, chasing him with 3000 elite soldiers (1 Samuel 24:2). Yet David refused to retaliate against Saul.
He even spared Saul’s life when he had opportunities to kill him (1 Samuel 24, 26). David learned to encourage himself in the Lord as his only rock, refuge and deliverer (1 Samuel 30:6). David’s writings overflow with trust in God alone to uphold him.
His faith under threat of death teaches believers to rely on God to defend and vindicate rather than seek personal vengeance.
How to Grow in Trusting God No Matter What
Pray and Seek God’s Wisdom
When facing difficulties, spend time in prayer asking God for wisdom and discernment (James 1:5). Ask Him to reveal any areas lacking trust. Consider fasting as well to focus your heart on God.
Study Scripture on God’s Character
Immerse yourself in Bible passages about God’s sovereignty, love, faithfulness and power (Isaiah 40:28-31). Seeing how God has proven Himself trustworthy time and again can strengthen your trust in Him.
Rely on God’s Strength, Not Your Own
Trusting God means recognizing you don’t have enough strength on your own. As an act of faith, acknowledge your weakness and ask Him to empower you (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Surrender control to Him.
Give Thanks in All Circumstances
Choose to be thankful no matter what (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thanking God during trials reminds you of His presence and sovereignty over the situation. This cultivates deep trust in Him.
What If I Still Struggle to Fully Trust God?
Trusting God completely, even during trying times, can be an immense challenge. When doubts, fears, and struggles weigh heavily on our hearts, fully relying on God may feel impossible. However, there is hope and help available if you earnestly seek it.
Be Honest With God About Your Doubts
The first step is being transparent with God about your struggles. He already knows the doubts in your mind and troubles in your heart, so come to Him honestly about your difficulties trusting (Psalm 139:1-3).
Admit areas where your faith feels small, ask Him to reveal any lies you are believing, and pray for help to trust without doubt (Mark 9:24). God is not offended by raw honesty but desires authentic relationship.
Seek Counseling or Mentorship
In addition to conversing with God, Christian counseling or mentorship can help provide support and perspective when struggling to trust. According to the American Psychological Association, faith-based counseling utilizes therapeutic techniques while integrating spirituality and religion into sessions.
Speaking with a pastor, mentor, or counselor can help uncover root issues impacting trust.
Cling to Christ and His Promises
Ultimately, the key to fully trusting God is clinging to the truth of who Christ is and what He has promised His children. Even when emotions and circumstances tempt us not to trust, God’s Word remains unchanging. Here are some promises we can stand upon:
During seasons of hardship when trust wavers, the Bible serves as an anchor for our souls. Immersing our minds in Scriptural truths provides a firm foundation to keep trusting despite raging storms. We may struggle, but Christ remains steadfast.
Conclusion
Life will always have ups and downs but we can stand firm in our faith no matter what comes our way. While it’s a process to develop deep trust in God, keeping our eyes fixed on who He is gives us the strength to say “though the mountains shake and hills collapse, yet I will praise you”.
If you commit to walking closely with Him day by day, your confidence in His goodness and sovereignty will only continue to grow.
