"Will you trust Me?" - God

King Solomon (967 B.C.E) of Israel is considered the wisest king that has ever lived according to the Torah, Quran, and the Bible. To this day, his teachings are still leaving modern-day philosophers puzzled. Yet, in all his knowledge, understanding and wisdom, he encourages us in Proverbs 3 verse 5 & 6 (NIV) to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

It is ironic that the wisest and most knowledgeable man would talk about forsaking understanding and instead relying abstractly on God. Surely, the keys to a well-planned and good life are wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Surely, I should have everything all figured out before trusting God. WRONG!

If you are anything like me, a mini-control freak who wants everything to go according to the script, then I am certain that you found the answer above just as disappointing and nerve-racking as I did. 

"What does it mean to trust God? Why should I trust God? How do I know for sure that I can trust God? How do I begin to trust God?", these are all common questions that pop-up in the average person's mind the minute the word "trust" and "God" are put in the same sentence.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TRUST GOD?

Once again we turn to the scripture in Proverbs 3 verse 5-6 (MSG), the Message Bible translation directly describes the meaning of the term; "trust God from the bottom of your heart, don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He is the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume you know it all.", and there it is, undiluted and unfiltered!

WHY SHOULD I TRUST GOD?

Life is unpredictable, there will always be elements beyond our control, socially, economically and even environmentally. However, it is comforting to know that in Colossians 1 verse 17 (NLT), we are guaranteed, "He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together." God is always in control, through the ups and the downs, the highs, and lows.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT I CAN TRUST GOD?

Firstly, in Jeremiah 29 verse 11 (NLT) says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." God has so much good in store for us, it may not always look like it in this season but it will be proven in the next.

Secondly, in Romans 8 verse 28 (NLT) it is declared, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Every little detail is a building block in the grand monument that is your life.

HOW DO I BEGIN TO TRUST GOD?

According to Philippians 3, verse 6-7 (MSG)

Step 1: "Don't fret or worry."

Step 2: "Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praise shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns."

"And before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."

As you journey through the hills and valleys of life, different seasons are guaranteed, whether it's losing a job or regaining your health. Jesus Christ is always with you in the midst of the storm and the sunshine, "take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you." - Psalm 37 verse 5-6 (NLT)