Why do we find it so difficult to trust the Lord? Maybe it’s because we really don’t believe God loves us? I know the initial response will be, “but of course God loves me”. Then why are so many of us fearful and anxious? 1 John 4:18a says, “there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” Fear and faith are opposite sides of the same coin. So we could say that “there is faith in love and perfect love builds faith.” For us to completely trust we must believe that the Lord loves us perfectly.

I believe one of the challenges we have trusting God is that our expectation of what His love should look like differs from what His love towards us actually is. I am reminded of when, as parents, we don’t have the heart to discipline our children, but we do it anyway because we know that it is the loving thing to do for them and their development. I am sure when we tell our children we are punishing them because we love them, to them that’s not their idea of what love should look like. Similarly, God’s perfect love is not always manifested in the way we expect or even want. But this is why the Bible states in Isaiah 55:9, “for as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” We may not agree with some of the answers to prayer we get, especially when it’s “no” or “wait”. Or when we have to go through testing to refine our character. The Word of God says God loves us perfectly. But we are not perfect so we don’t think in perfect terms. Our lack of understanding and our warped expectations, however, don’t change the truth of God’s Word regarding His love for us. If we are to become true sons of God, then we must believe that even the hard knocks and challenges will eventually redound to our good because God cares for us and will deliver us in His timing and not ours. We must believe Romans 8:28, “And we know all things work together for good to those who love God to those who are called according to His purpose.”

God’s view is panoramic while ours is close up and personal. God sees and knows the bigger picture and we don’t. He knows the beginning from the end and we don’t.

Here is another issue that has a negative impact on our ability to trust the Lord. In general, we find it a challenge to trust because many times those we trust let us down. We therefore become cynical and untrusting to defend against getting hurt and disappointed ever again. This mindset doesn’t just disappear when we come into a relationship with God. In fact, if our earthly father was one of those who proved untrustworthy we have particular difficulty trusting our heavenly Father.

Trust and love are intricately intertwined. When we lose trust we also lose respect. It is impossible to love someone you do not respect. It’s easy to know if you are not trusting the Lord. You are always fearful and anxious. What we don’t realize is that this is also a symptom of a lack of belief that we are accepted in the Beloved and He loves us and wants to take care of all aspects of our lives. He says to you today, “Cast every care upon Me because I love you and care for You.”

The most important question then is, what is preventing you from believing God’s love for you? Because that is the same thing that is hindering you from trusting Him. His first and greatest commandment is, “You shall love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength” (Mark 12:30). The second is, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Love of God and love of others is sometimes not possible because you don’t even love yourself. There may be things you did for which you have yet to forgive yourself. Or others may have spoken lies into your life that makes you feel unlovable and unworthy. Self- condemnation and guilt makes you feel unworthy of God’s love. But God says if you confess your faults He is faithful and just to forgive you and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. He also says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Do you know more than God? Are you saying God’s Word is not true? I was there at a point in my own life and what delivered me was constant meditation on Romans 8:1 and Romans 8:15. I repeated them until they became a part of my own personality. Until I believed them beyond a shadow of a doubt.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:1)

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cary out, “Abba, Father”.” (Rom 8:15)

You too can be free to be loved and to love as God has ordained. Don’t allow the enemy to rob you of your birthright and the abundant life that God has planned for you before you were even born (Psa. 139:16-17).

What is not from faith is sin (Rom. 14:23b). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). This is why trust is so vital. So, I pray you will have the conviction today to confess and seek help for those things that may hinder you loving and trusting the Lord.

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed……………” (James 5:16a)

Shalom.