Trusting in God’s faithfulness is central to the Christian life. But it can be challenging when we face trials, uncertainties, and unanswered prayers. Here are some biblical truths and practical steps to help build our trust in God’s steadfast love and reliability:
Remember God’s past faithfulness
God has demonstrated His faithfulness throughout history. He freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 14), restored them from exile in Babylon (Ezra 1:1), and fulfilled His promises by sending Jesus the Messiah (Luke 1:68-75). When we recall specific times God provided, protected, or redeemed us, it boosts our confidence that He will remain faithful (Psalm 77:11-15).
Focus on God’s unchanging nature
God’s faithfulness springs from His unchanging character. He described Himself to Moses as, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Because God cannot contradict His nature, His past faithfulness assures us of His present and future faithfulness. He will always be who He says He is (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8).
Trust God’s perfect timing
When God seems silent about our prayers or circumstances, we can still trust His timing is best. Isaiah says of God, “For the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end – it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay” (Isaiah 55:22). God may delay answering, but His timing is always purposeful and for our ultimate good (Ecclesiastes 3:11, Romans 8:28).
Believe God’s promises
God’s Word contains many promises about His steadfast love, faithfulness, and reliability. Promises like: “Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10). When we doubt, speaking God’s promises aloud builds our faith in His trustworthiness to fulfill them (Romans 10:17).
Spend time in God’s presence
Intimacy with God deepens our trust. Regular prayer, worship, Bible reading, and fellowship with other believers keeps us spiritually anchored in who God is. As we continually encounter God’s presence and power, our confidence in Him grows. We can say with the psalmist, “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).
Give thanks in all circumstances
Expressing gratitude to God, even in trials, reminds us of His sovereignty, goodness, and attentiveness to our lives. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thanking God displays our trust that He can redeem any circumstance for our good.
Surrender control to God
Trying to control everything ourselves is exhausting! God asks us to surrender our concerns to Him because He is trustworthy. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22). As we release our grip and acknowledge God’s power and wisdom exceed ours, it builds trust in His faithful guidance and provision.
Trust God to work through trials
Challenging times test our trust. But we can rely on God’s promise: “I will refine them and test them; and they shall be my treasured possession” (Zechariah 13:9). When we patiently endure trials while trusting God’s faithfulness, the testing of our faith develops perseverance and maturity (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7).
Take refuge in God’s faithfulness
God’s faithfulness is a stronghold of security for us. David wrote, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 18:2). When we feel insecure or afraid, we can take refuge in God knowing He is a faithful, unmoving anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19).
Look back at past deliverance
Remembering how God delivered us previously inspires hope He will do it again. The Israelites were terrified when surrounded by a vast army. But God told them, “Do not be afraid … for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22). He reminded them of victories He had won for them before to encourage their faith in Him.
Trust God to finish His work
We can be confident that the saving work God began in us, He will complete. “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). God finishes what He starts. We never have to doubt His faithfulness to perfect us according to His promises.
Lean on other believers
When we waiver in trusting God, fellow Christians can help stabilize and strengthen our faith. “Encourage one another daily … so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). The body of Christ lifts up those losing heart by reminding them of God’s steadfastness.
Remember you are loved as God’s child
God loves us with an unconditional, forever love. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). Because we belong to Him as His beloved children, we can completely depend on His faithful care and provision (1 John 3:1).
Look forward to Christ’s return
On days we feel overwhelmed, Christ’s eventual return gives us hope. “… Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time … to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him” (Hebrews 9:28). Knowing Christ will come back and make all things right sustains our trust in Him.
Ask God for deeper trust
Since faith is a gift from God, we can ask Him to increase our capacity to trust Him. “Lord I believe; help my unbelief!” the man pleaded with Jesus (Mark 9:24). God wants to answer our sincere requests for stronger belief amidst our struggles and doubts about His steadfastness.
Trust God’s discipline as from a Father
When God disciplines us, it develops our faith in His faithful commitment to our growth in Christlikeness. “The Lord disciplines those He loves … God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:6-10). His loving correction both proves and produces greater trust.
Remember God’s mercy is bigger than our failures
Our stumbling does not change God’s steadfast love and patience toward us. “The Lord your God … will not turn away from you nor destroy you … He will take great delight in you” (Deuteronomy 30:9-10). God faithfully responds to our lapses of faith with merciful restoration rather than rejection.
Believe God works even in weakness
God specializes in displaying His strength through our areas of inadequacy. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). As we acknowledge our need, God’s faithful strength shines through. This builds deeper, more Christ-centered faith.
Be patient while waiting on God
When we don’t understand God’s timing, waiting is tough. But Isaiah encourages, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting with trust proves God’s faithfulness and renews our inner strength. Delay reveals whether we really trust God or just His blessings.
Remember God cares deeply about you
God’s intimate knowledge of us proves we can completely trust Him. “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:30). No detail escapes His notice. God cares about even our smallest needs. His perfect love drives His unfailing faithfulness toward us.
Trust God to fulfill His purpose
God always accomplishes His purposes, even amid setbacks. “The Lord Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be…'” (Isaiah 14:24). We can confidently entrust our lives to His sovereign care and rely on Him to fulfill His good plans.
Know God remains with you
God promises His faithful presence with us always, including in trials. “‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper…'” (Hebrews 13:5-6). He is always by our side. We can fully trust His nearness and help.
Trust that nothing takes God by surprise
Unexpected events rock our sense of stability. But God is never caught off guard. His knowledge has no limits (Psalm 139:1-6). The future is open before Him. Whatever arises, we can maintain rock-solid trust in God’s faithful handling of it.
Remember you are not alone
Loneliness tempts us to feel abandoned. But God assures us we never face difficulties alone. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). He is always faithful to remain by our side.
Believe God works for your eternal good
Everything God allows ultimately results in our growth and eternal blessing. “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). Even painful trials develop our character and capacity for intimacy with God now and forever.
Trust God to complete His will
God always accomplishes His perfect will. “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish … so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty” (Isaiah 55:10-11). His plans cannot be stopped or even delayed.
Think of testimonies that boosted your faith
Recalling examples where God displayed His faithfulness in someone’s life can encourage our trust in Him. The Bible records many faith-building testimonies (Hebrews 11, Acts). Listening to fellow Christians’ stories grows our confidence in God’s reliability.
Trust that God is working behind the scenes
When nothing seems to be happening on the surface, remember that God may be moving behind the scenes in ways we cannot yet see. “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted” (Job 5:9). His providential care is often invisible but still at work.
Focus on who God is, not just what He does
Basing our trust on God’s blessings alone can make it shaky. But focusing on God’s eternal loving character anchors our faith in His changeless nature. “Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens … Your faithfulness reaches to the skies” (Psalm 36:5). He is worthy of our trust beyond what He provides.
Let God’s faithfulness inspire ours
The only proper response to God’s complete faithfulness toward us is living likewise toward others. “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens … teach me Your ways” (Psalm 36:5, 4:33). His perfect example of commitment and reliability transforms and motivates our own.
Know that your faith pleases God
Our loving trust brings joy to God’s fatherly heart. “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Though our faith wavers, every step toward trusting God’s faithfulness delights Him as it draws us closer to His affection.
Remember that faith overcomes fear
Fear and faith cannot coexist. “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). The more we choose to trust God’s love and reliability, the less room there is for fear about the future or our circumstances to undermine our confidence in Him.
Let difficult seasons deepen your roots
Hard times in our life of faith develop perseverance and tenacity. “Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-4). Difficult seasons prepare us to thrive long-term.
Trusting God completely does not come naturally or easily to our human minds and emotions. But as we remember His unchanging nature and steadfast devotion to us, we gain perspective on our circumstances. God invites us to run to Him for refuge from doubt and to rely on His strength when ours falls short. He wants nothing more than for us to rest peacefully in His perfectly faithful hands.
