Word of the Week - Trust
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your paths and make them straight." – Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust Defined - Merriam-Webster defines trust as “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, character, or strength of someone or something.”
Biblical trust goes further—it’s complete surrender and reliance on God. It’s believing in His faithfulness, placing confidence in His character, and standing on His promises.
The Tension Between Trust and Control
There’s a fine line between fully trusting and trying to control—especially in our walk with God and our relationships. Most of us naturally want to manage our environments, but the question is: are we limiting our potential—and the potential of those around us—by holding on too tightly?
I’ve wrestled with this my whole life. By God’s grace, I’ve grown, but He keeps showing me there’s more room to surrender. He is our Good Shepherd, trustworthy in every way, who desires the best for us. Faith equals trust.
The Consequences of Half-Trust
When we cling to control, even in the small things, we reveal areas where we aren’t trusting God. Jesus told us plainly: “Do not worry about tomorrow… Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). Worry creates anxiety in us—and often in those around us.
Yes, we must take responsibility for our roles, but micromanaging people and circumstances is not healthy or productive. Instead, God calls us to rest in His power and sovereignty—producing power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
Trusting Generously
Ephesians 3:17 reminds us that as we trust in Christ, our roots grow deep in His love and keep us strong. Trust grows like a muscle: the more we use it, the more capacity we have for it. As we trust God, He proves Himself faithful—strengthening our faith for the future.
The same is true with people. The more we extend trust, the more trustworthiness we often cultivate in them. Yes, people will disappoint us, but trusting generously over time bears more fruit than controlling relationships. As Paul wrote: “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).
So how do we Trust God and others more Generously?
As I reflect on this in my own life and think about my level of trust toward God and others, it really comes down to how well I know the person I desire to trust. If I really know someone well and know their character I tend to trust generously. If I don’t really know them and don’t really know their heart motivations or true character, I am less inclined to trust them generously. It is also this way with God. If we really know Him and who He is at His very core, we will be more willing and able to trust Him. If we just know some things about Him and see Him as a distant God, it will be very difficult to “Trust Him with all of our heart”. The key to trusting God and others is truly getting to know them. We get to know God and others by spending time with them by investing in our relationship. This is why it is so important to our faith and relationship with Jesus that we stay connected to the vine of Christ by abiding in Him daily through His word, prayer, and worship. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Challenge Question:
Where in your life right now do you need to loosen your grip and trust God—or someone close to you—more generously?
I pray we can all grow in our Trust in God and with others so we can live in the blessing that comes from knowing and trusting God and others!