Examples of Trusting in God's Deliverance and Protection
The concept of trusting in God's deliverance and protection is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. According to Psalm 4:5, believers are encouraged to "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord" [1]. This trust is not limited to a general faith but is specifically tied to the conviction that God is able and faithful to afford protection and deliverance [5].
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul expresses a profound trust in God through Christ, stating, "And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward" [2, 3]. This trust is a hallmark of the Christian faith, enabling believers to approach God with confidence. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, assurance is "produced by faith" and is a characteristic of those who are righteous and have a deep understanding of the gospel [4].
The biblical basis for trusting in God's deliverance and protection is multifaceted. It is grounded in God's power, faithfulness, and love. The Psalmist celebrates God's mighty power as a reason to trust in Him, noting His control over the natural world and His ability to affect the course of human events [9, 10]. God's faithfulness is another cornerstone of trust, as He is described as being able to afford protection and deliverance to those who hearken to Him and are faithful [5].
Theological traditions emphasize the importance of trust in God's deliverance and protection. According to Adam Clarke's commentary on 2 Corinthians 3:4, the trust that believers have in God is a "fullest conviction" that God has accredited their ministry and is working through them [7]. The Tyndale House commentary on Philippians 4:7 notes that the life of trusting God brings God's peace, highlighting the intrinsic link between trust and the experience of divine peace [8, 11].
Examples of trusting in God's deliverance and protection are abundant in Scripture. The Psalmist's confidence in God's deliverance is a recurring theme, with trust being followed by rejoicing in the deliverance that God effects [12]. The biblical narrative encourages believers to express their trust in God with boldness, as exemplified in Hebrews 13:6, and to pray for boldness and faithfulness [6].
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 4:5 (Geneva1599) — Offer the sacrifices of righteousnes, and trust in the Lord.”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 3:4 — And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 3:4 (KJV) — And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Assurance — Produced by faith -- Eph 3:12; 2Ti 1:12; Heb 10:22. Made full by hope -- Heb 6:11,19. Confirmed by love -- 1Jo 3:14,19; 4:18. Is the effect of righteousness -- Isa 32:17. Is abundant in the understanding of the gospel -- Col 2:2; 1Th 1:5. Saints privileged to have, of Their election. -- Ps 4:3; 1Th 1:4. Their redemption. -- Job 19:25. Their adoption. -- Ro 8:16; 1Jo 3:2. Their salvation. -- Isa 12:2. Eternal life. -- 1Jo 5:13. The unalienable love of God. -- Ro 8:38,39. Union with God and Christ. -- 1Co 6:15; 2Co 13:5; Eph 5:30; 1Jo 2:5; 4:13. Peace with ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Protection — God is able to afford -- 1Pe 1:5; Jude 1:24. God is faithful to afford -- 1Th 5:23,24; 2Th 3:3. Of God is Indispensable. -- Ps 127:1. Seasonable. -- Ps 46:1. Unfailing. -- De 31:6; Jos 1:5. Effectual. -- Joh 10:28-30; 2Co 12:9. Uninterrupted. -- Ps 121:3. Encouraging. -- Isa 41:10; 50:7. Perpetual. -- Ps 121:8. Often afforded through means inadequate in themselves. -- Jdj 7:7; 1Sa 17:45,50; 2Ch 14:11. Is afforded to Those who hearken to God. -- Pr 1:33. Returning sinners. -- Job 22:23,25. The perfect in heart. -- 2Ch 16:9. The poor. -- Ps 14:6; 72:12-14.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Boldness, Holy — Christ set an example of -- Joh 7:26. Is through faith in Christ -- Eph 3:12; Heb 10:19. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 28:1. Produced by Trust in God. -- Isa 50:7. The fear of God. -- Ac 4:19; 5:29. Faithfulness to God. -- 1Ti 3:13. Express your trust in God with -- Heb 13:6. Have, in prayer -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16. Saints shall have, in judgment -- 1Jo 4:17. Exhortations to -- Jos 1:7; 2Ch 19:11; Jer 1:8; Eze 3:9. Pray for -- Ac 4:29; Eph 6:19,20. Ministers should exhibit, in Faithfulness to their people. -- 2Co 7:4; 10:1. Preaching. -- Ac 4:31; Ph”
- 2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 3:4: Such trust have we - We have the fullest conviction that God has thus accredited our ministry; and that ye are thus converted unto him, and are monuments of his mercy, and proofs of the truth of our ministry.”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 4:7: 4:7 The life of trusting God (4:6) brings God’s peace (see also Isa 26:3; John 14:27; Col 3:15).”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 65:6: God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this confidence. These are illustrated in His control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations affecting men with awe and dread (Psa 26:7; Psa 98:1, &c.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 29 (introduction): Trust in God is encouraged by the celebration of His mighty power as illustrated in His dominion over the natural world, in some of its most terrible and wonderful exhibitions. (Psa 29:1-11) Give--or, "ascribe" (Deu 32:3). mighty--or, "sons of the mighty" (Psa 89:6). Heavenly beings, as angels.”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 4:7: 4:7 The life of trusting God (4:6) brings God’s peace (see also Isa 26:3; John 14:27; Col 3:15).”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 13:5: Trust is followed by rejoicing in the deliverance which God effects, and, instead of his enemy, he can lift the song of triumph. Next: Psalms Chapter 14”