Based on his own experience and observations, Dr. Richard Norris seriously questions how much we truly trust God.
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I’ve had my share of trust challenges. Not surprising when there have been some key relationships I’ve had who have let me down – classmates, friends, team mates and business colleagues. Looking back, I’ve had trust issues for a while. Likely, that’s why I have a preference to work alone, take on more than a sane person would and a self-belief that I can do it better than anyone else. I delude myself that it’s how I am, how I was made and who I am meant to be. But that’s just crap!
As a husband, father, and leader I’m meant to lead by example. There have been times with the kids at a pool edge or climbing frame when I ask the kids to jump. I ask them to trust me. I even ask them, “Do you trust me?” Initially, they nod hesitantly. Their trust in me is based on my track record, my reliability to date. The same premise for trust applies elsewhere.
Hmm? Such scenarios make me mindful. How can I teach about trust if I don’t model it as well was I should? Where’s the integrity in that? Suffice to say, God has been working on me and my issues for a while. I’m getting better, but there’s a way to go yet!
How much do you trust others and God?
If we’re to truly trust others, surely we must take our lead from God. We must learn to trust God. For some this means discovering who God is. For others who already know Him, they must learn to trust God more.
Based on my own experience and observations, I seriously question, how much we truly trust God.
I was speaking with a friend this week. Her contract came to an end. She is now unemployed and she and her husband have ongoing medical bills. She knows she is meant to trust God with her situation. She, however, confessed that she has a habit of giving her situation to God initially. Then she takes it back. Inevitably, this makes things worse. She is not alone. I’ve done this too. Rather than trust God to help with my career and business I wrestle it back when He seems to take too long. How arrogant! Is it any wonder that it then takes even longer? I’m sure you can relate. I’m sure you’ve delegated something to someone then taken it back because you believe you can do it better and faster. LOL!!
When you look at the American currency, on every note and coin is the phrase, “In God We Trust”. The nation was built on faith in God. Sadly, that faith seems to be waning. What’s on the currency seems now lip service to a multitude. The faithful trusting God are not as prevalent. Over recent years, it seems each new generation increasingly sees God as irrelevant. There is greater secularism. Where God was once the cornerstone of every family and therefore society, He is now being sidelined. That pains me. Consider all that is going on in the world, trusting God is just what we need more of today.
I believe much of our ability to trust is determined in our formative years. If parents, teachers and other role models in authority aren’t there, don’t care or are unreliable, is it any wonder kids develop trust issues? Trust or lack of trust creates ripples. It’s paid forward. This extrapolates too in trusting God, the ultimate authority. You cannot truly trust someone you don’t know.
As humans we are relational beings. We are designed to relate to others. Why? We are made in God’s image and He made us to have a relationship with Him. A true relationship is based on trust.
If you cannot trust God, don’t be surprised that God doesn’t trust you and entrust things to you.
I find amazing that we find it easier (myself included) to trust others rather than God. This is so whether we know them or not. Relationship and trust today seem uneasy bedfellows. When driving, we trust other drivers to do their part. But we don’t trust our spouses. We trust the waiter to get our order right. But we don’t trust our kids. We trust our boss to do what’s best for us and the team. But we often don’t trust ourselves. In the military, we trust others with our lives. But we struggle to trust God who created us.
Here’s a thought-provoking question. If you cannot trust God, why do you put your trust in others? We trust imperfect people, including ourselves, more easily than God. Yet God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. He made us and holds our eternity in His hands.
Here’s a few insights I’ve gleaned recently about trust that may help you with your trust issues – with God and others.
- God and others trust you to the level you can be trusted. Life is a mirror.
- Trust is a choice only you can exercise. Like a muscle, the more you use it the stronger your trust becomes.
- Trust comes when you believe in the integrity of God. He will do what he says He will do. He has your best interests always at heart.
- Trust is tested when we step outside comfort zone where we are faced with change, uncertainty, fear and/or worry.
- How much we trust in God is a product of our faith and belief in Him.
- The stronger the relationship, the stronger the trust. Such a relationship takes time and commitment. God’s committed, are you?
- To truly trust yourself, you have to trust God.
The key to trust is relationship. In a strong relationship, each party truly knows the other. Knowing God better means you will know yourself better. Trusting God enables you to better trust yourself. When such trust exists, you know what you can do and what you cannot; what God can do and what He won’t. What’s important is to trust God with what you can’t do and shouldn’t do. He’ll trust you with what you can do.
God ask us to trust Him absolutely. But the reality is we won’t…yet. Trust is a process. It won’t happen overnight. Our aim needs to be to know Him more. We can then trust Him a little more each day. That should be achievable.
Your Powerplay
Let go and let God. Trust Him with one thing that you know you should no longer be holding onto.
Originally appeared at Leading Men Only.com
Photo: Ervins Strauhmanis/Flickr
Just thought to add that this is only half of the article that I wrote. The article goes on to add other insights and to underline the importance of relationship to trust.