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Trusting God's Goodness in Difficult Circumstances

Trusting God's goodness in difficult circumstances is a core tenet of Christian faith, rooted in the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of believers and works for their ultimate good, even amidst suffering. This trust is not a passive resignation but an active reliance on God's character and promises [12].

The biblical concept of trust in God is frequently expressed in the Psalms, where individuals facing distress articulate their dependence on the Lord. For instance, 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 often linked with doing good, as seen in Psalm 37:3: "Trust Yahweh and do good. Abide in the land and feed on faithfulness" [3]. The steadfastness of God is a foundational reason for this trust, as He is described as unchanging in His purposes and ways [7].

The nature of God's goodness, which underpins this trust, is frequently described as "loving-kindness" (Hebrew: hesed). This loving-kindness is characterized as great, excellent, good, marvelous, multitudinous, everlasting, and merciful [6]. It is considered "better than life" itself [6]. This divine attribute is understood to be manifested through Christ and is the source of preservation, quickening, and comfort for believers [6]. John Gill, commenting on Psalm 107:7, emphasizes the importance of praising God for both His providential goodness, which provides for physical needs and guidance, and His special grace and goodness in redemption [13].

Difficult circumstances, often referred to as afflictions, are not seen as negating God's goodness but rather as contexts in which His presence and support are particularly evident. Scripture teaches that God is with afflicted saints, serving as their refuge and strength [5]. He comforts, preserves, and delivers them [5]. Christ is also depicted as being with and supporting those who suffer, offering comfort and preservation [5]. Therefore, afflicted saints are encouraged to praise God [5]. This perspective is echoed in the idea of "waiting upon God" during times of trouble, whether for mercy, pardon, salvation, guidance, or protection [8]. This waiting is described as "good" [8].

Trusting God in adversity involves a conscious decision to rely on Him rather than on human strength or understanding. John Gill, in his commentary on Proverbs 3:5, explains that this trust should be placed "in the Lord, the object of all grace, and in him only," not in human achievements, possessions, or even one's own heart, which is prone to deceit [10]. Matthew Henry similarly contrasts the folly of trusting in "dead images" with the wisdom of trusting in the "living God," who acts as a "help and a shield" [11].

This trust is not merely intellectual assent but involves hope, which is described as a work of the Holy Spirit, obtained through grace, and sustained by God's promises and the Scriptures [4]. Hope is characterized as good, lively, sure, steadfast, gladdening, and blessed [4]. Even when circumstances seem dire, believers are called to "hope continually" for deliverance and salvation, exercising this grace particularly in times of affliction [14]. The story of Moses leading the Israelites, who faced destruction between mountains, the sea, and their enemies, illustrates a moment where trust in God was paramount despite overwhelming odds [9].

The concept of steadfastness is closely related to trust, as it involves cleaving to God and continuing in His work and doctrine [7]. This steadfastness is secured by God's power, His presence, and Christ's intercession [7]. Adam Clarke highlights the "pious and rational" conduct of Abraham's servant in Genesis 24:12, who, by supplicating God for a sign, acknowledged God's superintendence while also seeking a natural, sensible sign, thus demonstrating a balanced trust that avoids tempting God's providence [15].

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 (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 115:9: In these verses, I. We are earnestly exhorted, all of us, to repose our confidence in God, and not suffer our confidence in him to be shaken by the heathens' insulting over us upon the account of our present distresses. It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those that do trust in them, a help to furnish them with and forward them in that which is good, and a shield to fortify them against and protect them from every thing that is evil. Therefore, 1. Let Israel trust in the Lord; the body”
  12. 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.”
  13. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 107:7: O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness,.... For his providential goodness, in providing food and drink for them, when fainting; in directing them to their right way, when they had lost it; and in bringing them safe to the place they were bound for: and particularly for his special grace and goodness, in redemption and effectual calling; for bringing out of a wilderness state and condition, and supplying them with all spiritual provisions, and putting them in the right way to eternal glory and happiness. And for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
  14. 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,”
  15. 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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