Trust in God Amid Unique Circumstances and Contexts
Trusting in God is a recurring theme throughout the biblical text, emphasized in various contexts and circumstances. The Psalmist expresses this trust, saying, "In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?" [2]. This sentiment is echoed in Proverbs, where believers are exhorted to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and leane not vnto thine owne wisdome" [3].
The biblical basis for trust in God is rooted in His character and faithfulness. The unity of God is a ground for obeying Him exclusively and loving Him supremely, as asserted in Deuteronomy and echoed by Christ and the apostles [1]. The Psalmist's trust in God is not blind; it is grounded in God's greatness, wonderful works, and faithfulness [1, 8]. For instance, Psalms 16:1 (KJV) says, "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust" [4].
The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing trust in God through faith in Christ. Ephesians 3:12 (BSB) states, "In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence" [5]. This confidence is not self-derived but is through Christ toward God, as noted in 2 Corinthians 3:4 [10].
Various Christian traditions interpret trust in God as a fundamental aspect of the believer's life. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, notes on Proverbs 3:5 that trust should be placed in the Lord alone, not in creatures or one's own heart, which is deceitful [9]. Similarly, Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist/Puritan commentator, observes that David's prayer in Psalms 71:1 reflects a desire not to be confounded in his dependence on God, highlighting the importance of maintaining trust in God despite circumstances [11].
The benefits of trusting in God include confidence, boldness, and happiness. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, trust in God produces holy boldness and is a characteristic of saints [6]. The happiness of saints in this life is found in God and is derived from trust in Him, among other virtues [7].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Unity of God — A ground for obeying him exclusively -- De 4:39,40. A ground for loving him supremely -- De 6:4,5; Mr 12:29,30. Asserted by God himself. -- Isa 44:6,8; 45:18,21. Christ. -- Mr 12:29; Joh 17:3. Moses. -- De 4:39; 6:4. Apostles. -- 1Co 8:4,6; Eph 4:6; 1Ti 2:5. Consistent with the deity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit -- Joh 10:30; 1Jo 5:7; Joh 14:9-11. Exhibited in His greatness and wonderful works. -- 2Sa 7:22; Ps 86:10. His works of creation and providence. -- Isa 44:24; 45:5-8. His being alone possessed of fore-knowledge. -- Isa 46:9-11. His exercise”
- Psalms “Psalms 56:4 (NASB) — In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 3:5 (Geneva1599) — Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and leane not vnto thine owne wisdome.”
- Psalms “Psalms 16:1 (KJV) — Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 3:12 (BSB) — In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.”
- 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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Happiness of Saints In This Life — Is in God -- Ps 73:25,26. Only found in the ways of wisdom -- Pr 3:17,18. Described by Christ in the beatitudes -- Mt 5:3-12. Is derived from Fear of God. -- Ps 128:1,2; Pr 28:14. Trust in God. -- Pr 16:20; Php 4:6,7. The words of Christ. -- Joh 17:13. Obedience to God. -- Ps 40:8; Joh 13:17. Salvation. -- De 33:29; Isa 12:2,3. Hope in the Lord. -- Ps 146:5. Hope of glory. -- Ro 5:2. God being their Lord. -- Ps 144:15. God being their help. -- Ps 146:5. Praising God. -- Ps 135:3. Their mutual love. -- Ps 133:1. Divine chastening. --”
- Micah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Micah 7:18: 7:18-20 These verses provide a fine brief summary of Old Testament theology. God is unique; there is no one and nothing else like him. Because of his unfailing love (Hebrew khesed), he does not destroy his people whom he judges but instead restores them (see Exod 36:6-7). His faithfulness means that he can be trusted to do good regardless of the cost to himself (see Ps 89:1-2). • Where is another God like you: This question probably plays off of Micah’s name (“Who is like the Lord?”). God’s character is unequaled among the gods of the nations. His actions and words”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,.... Not in a creature, the best, the holiest, and the highest; not in any creature enjoyment, as riches, strength, and wisdom; nor in any outward privilege, arising from natural descent and education; not in a man's self, in his own heart, which is deceitful; nor in any works of righteousness done by him; not in a profession of religion, or the duties of it, ever so well performed; not in frames, nor in graces, and the exercise of them; no, not in faith or trust itself: but in the Lord, the object of all grace, and in him only;”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 3:4: And--Greek, "But." "Such confidence, however (namely, of our 'sufficiency,' Co2 3:5-6; Co2 2:16 --to which he reverts after the parenthesis--as ministers of the New Testament, 'not hinting,' Co2 4:1), we have through Christ (not through ourselves, compare Co2 3:18) toward God" (that is, in our relation to God and His work, the ministry committed by Him to us, for which we must render an account to Him). Confidence toward God is solid and real, as looking to Him for the strength needed now, and also for the reward of grace to be given hereafter. C”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 71:1: Two things in general David here prays for - that he might not be confounded and that his enemies and persecutors might be confounded. I. He prays that he might never be made ashamed of his dependence upon God nor disappointed in his believing expectations from him. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace; for God will never disappoint the hope that is of his own raising. Now observe here, 1. How David professes his confidence in God, and with what pleasure and grateful variety of expression he repeats his profession of that c”