"Deep dependance only develops when our walls come down and we feel confident in the strength of the relationship. The natural self-protection we carry has slowly dissolved because of the history we have together. Trust is truly gained over time." Kathy Spampinato

If you have a really good friend, you might describe them as deserving of trust and confidence. They're dependable and reliable. You find they are there for you, and are willing to stand with you in difficult times. That is the kind of friendship we all seek, and the type of person we really can rely on. The trust we have in their friendship has been proven. Our wholehearted confidence in them is because we've seen them show up for us again and again. We believe in them.

At first our heart is hesitant and careful, because life has shown us that not everyone is to be trusted. We don't pour our heart out to strangers, because we want to make sure we are not going to be rejected, or ridiculed. Deep dependance only develops when our walls come down and we feel confident in the strength of the relationship. The natural self-protection we carry has slowly dissolved because of the history we have together. Trust is truly gained over time.

I'd like to suggest that this same kind of friendship and trust can be developed with God, but it also takes time. In our head we might believe that God is trustworthy, but until we've seen Him come through for us, we're going to be hesitant and guarded. This is not because of God's character, but because of our caution. We have a history of being hurt. People have let us down even when we thought we could rely on them. We thought we could trust their word, but we were wrong. Our history with sinful, hurtful people and the pain they've caused us, makes us unable to trust easily. We're not sure God will be faithful to His promises and show up for us. This caution may be irrational when we're talking about God himself, but it is understandable. I'd like to offer some encouragement from the Bible to help you build trust in the God who really does love you.

Isaiah 26:4, Psalm 188:9, Psalm 33:21 Job 15:31, ESV, "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name."

"Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself, for emptiness will be his payment."

Proverbs 3:5-8 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."

We are encouraged NOT to lean on our own understanding. Sometimes we think we know what is happening, and what we should do, but we're unaware of all the ramifications. We do not know what we do not know. However, we can trust in God who is all-knowing and has a hope and a future for us. He will direct our paths if we rely on Him and allow Him to lead us.

2 Chronicles 16:9a says, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him."

Philippians 4: 5b-7 "Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Trusting God with your life and your future might seem scary as you take your own hands off of the control. However, the Bible promises that this will bring you peace. This promise might seem incomprehensible or irrational, but it is a promise you can stand on. God is trustworthy.

Psalm 37: 3-7a "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; "