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Trusting God's Goodness in Difficult Circumstances

Trusting God's goodness in difficult circumstances is a recurring theme in biblical literature, emphasizing reliance on God's character and promises even amidst affliction. This trust is not merely a passive hope but an active confidence rooted in God's steadfastness and loving-kindness [6, 7, 11].

The Old Testament, particularly the Psalms, frequently calls believers to trust in the Lord. Psalm 73:28 states, "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works" [1]. Similarly, Psalm 4:5 encourages, "Offer the sacrifices of righteousnes, and trust in the Lord" [2]. This trust is to be placed in God alone, not in human strength, riches, or even one's own understanding [10]. John Gill, commenting on Proverbs 3:5, emphasizes that trust should be "Not in a creature... not in a man's self, in his own heart, which is deceitful... but in the Lord, the object of all grace, and in him only" [10]. The instruction to "Trust Yahweh and do good" in Psalm 37:3 links trust with righteous action and abiding in faithfulness [3].

Difficult circumstances are often presented as opportunities to exercise and deepen this trust. The Bible acknowledges that believers will face affliction [5]. However, it consistently portrays God as present with the afflicted, offering refuge, strength, comfort, and deliverance [5]. For instance, Psalm 46:5,7 and Isaiah 43:2 affirm God's presence with those in distress, while Psalm 34:4,19 and Jeremiah 39:17,18 speak of God's deliverance [5]. Christ himself is depicted as supporting, comforting, and preserving those who suffer [5]. This perspective encourages believers to praise God even in their trials, as seen in Psalms 13:5,6 and 56:8-10 [5].

The nature of God's goodness, which underpins this trust, is described in various ways. It is characterized as great, excellent, marvelous, multitudinous, and everlasting [6]. God's loving-kindness is "better than life" (Psalm 63:3) and is experienced through Christ [6]. This understanding of God's character provides a foundation for hope, which is described as good, lively, sure, steadfast, and gladdening [4]. Hope in God is a work of the Holy Spirit, obtained through grace, and sustained by God's promises and the Scriptures [4].

Waiting upon God is an integral aspect of trusting His goodness in difficult times [8]. This involves waiting for God as the God of providence and salvation, for mercy, pardon, guidance, protection, and the fulfillment of His word and promises [8]. Such waiting is considered "good" (Psalm 52:9) and is something God calls His people to do [8]. John Gill notes that hope should be exercised continually, especially in times of affliction, serving as an anchor for the soul [12].

Historical examples illustrate this principle. Even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds, such as the Israelites at the Red Sea, Moses encouraged trust in God despite the people's incredulity [9]. Abraham's servant, seeking a wife for Isaac, prayed for a sign, demonstrating a rational yet pious trust in God's direction for a specific outcome [13]. This blend of prayer and practical discernment exemplifies trusting God's providence in personal matters.

Sources

  1. King James Version “[KJV] Psalms 73:28 — But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.”
  2. Psalms “Psalms 4:5 (Geneva1599) — Offer the sacrifices of righteousnes, and trust in the Lord.”
  3. Psalms “Psalms 37:3 (LEB) — Trust Yahweh and do good. Abide in the land and feed on faithfulness.”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hope — In God -- Ps 39:7; 1Pe 1:21. In Christ -- 1Co 15:19; 1Ti 1:1. In God's promises -- Ac 26:6,7; Tit 1:2. In the mercy of God -- Ps 33:18. Is the work of the Holy Spirit -- Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5. Obtained through Grace. -- 2Th 2:16. The word. -- Ps 119:81. Patience and comfort of the Scriptures. -- Ro 15:4. The gospel. -- Col 1:5,23. Faith. -- Ro 5:1,2; Ga 5:5. The result of experience -- Ro 5:4. A better hope brought in by Christ -- Heb 7:19. Described as Good. -- 2Th 2:16. Lively. -- 1Pe 1:3. Sure and steadfast. -- Heb 6:19. Gladdening. -- Pr 10:28. Blessed. -- Tit ”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Loving-Kindness of God, The — Is through Christ -- Eph 2:7; Tit 3:4-6. Described as Great. -- Ne 9:17. Excellent. -- Ps 36:7. Good. -- Ps 69:16. Marvellous. -- Ps 17:7; 31:21. Multitudinous. -- Isa 63:7. Everlasting. -- Isa 54:8. Merciful. -- Ps 117:2. Better than life. -- Ps 63:3. Consideration of the dealings of God gives a knowledge of -- Ps 107:43. Saints Betrothed in. -- Ho 2:19. Drawn by. -- Jer 31:3. Preserved by. -- Ps 40:11. Quickened after. -- Ps 119:88. Comforted by. -- Ps 119:76. Look for mercy through. -- Ps 51:1. Receive mercy through. -- Isa 54:8. Are ”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Steadfastness — Exhibited by God in all his purposes and ways -- Nu 23:19; Da 6:26; Jas 1:17. Commanded -- Php 4:1; 2Th 2:15; Jas 1:6-8. Godliness necessary to -- Job 11:13-15. Secured by The power of God. -- Ps 55:22; 62:2; 1Pe 1:5; Jude 1:24. The presence of God. -- Ps 16:8. Trust in God. -- Ps 26:1. The intercession of Christ. -- Lu 22:31,32. A characteristic of saints -- Job 17:9; Joh 8:31. Should be manifested In cleaving to God. -- De 10:20; Ac 11:23. In the work of the Lord. -- 1Co 15:58. In continuing in the Apostles' doctrine. -- Ac 2:42. In holding fast our”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Waiting Upon God — As the God of providence -- Jer 14:22. As the God of salvation -- Ps 25:5. As the Giver of all temporal blessings -- Ps 104:27,28; Ps 145:15,16. For Mercy. -- Ps 123:2. Pardon. -- Ps 39:7,8. The consolation of Israel. -- Lu 2:25. Salvation. -- Ge 49:18; Ps 62:1,2. Guidance and teaching. -- Ps 25:5. Protection. -- Ps 33:20; 59:9,10. The fulfillment of His word. -- Hab 2:3. The fulfillment of His promises. -- Ac 1:4. Hope of righteous by faith. -- Ga 5:5. Coming of Christ. -- 1Co 1:7; 1Th 1:10. Is good -- Ps 52:9. God calls us to -- Zep 3:8. Exhortat”
  9. Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 15, section 3: of their freedom; and this so far, that their incredulity prompted them to throw stones at the prophet, while he encouraged them and promised them deliverance; and they resolved that they would deliver themselves up to the Egyptians. So there was sorrow and lamentation among the women and children, who had nothing but destruction before their eyes, while they were encompassed with mountains, the sea, and their enemies, and discerned no way of flying from them. 5. But Moses, though the multitude looked fiercely at him, did not, h”
  10. 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;”
  11. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 31:6: 31:6-8 Trust in the Lord requires confidence that he has our best interests at heart.”
  12. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 71:14: But I will hope continually,.... For deliverance and salvation from present outward troubles, for; more grace here and glory hereafter: it is the excellency of the grace of hope to be exercised in times of affliction and distress, and with Abraham to believe in hope against hope; and then it is that this grace is eminently and remarkably useful: it is an anchor to the soul when in distress, which keeps it firm and steadfast; and an helmet, which covers the head in the day of battle; in the exercise of which the believer glories in tribulation: it is an abiding grace,”
  13. Genesis (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Genesis 24:12: And he said, O Lord God, etc. - "The conduct of this servant," says Dr. Dodd, "appears no less pious than rational. By supplicating for a sign, he acknowledges God to be the great superintendent and director of the universe, and of that event in particular; and at the same time, by asking a natural sign, such as betokened humanity, condescension, and other qualities which promised a discreet and virtuous wife, he puts his prayer upon such a discreet, rational footing, as to be a proper example for all to imitate who would not tempt the providence of God, by expect”
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