Can You Trust a Stranger?

Can you trust a stranger? Is it even wise to try? Of course not. Trust is built over time as a relationship grows. Trust comes from getting to know someone, learning how they behave in different situations, and becoming familiar with their character. Usually that happens when people interact and spend time together. We learn to trust people when their actions show us they are trustworthy.

So how, then, do we trust God? We can’t see Him with our eyes and we can’t interact with Him in the way that we do with a human being. But still, we can come to trust God more than anyone.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

Proverbs 8:17

How can that happen? Primarily in three ways:

First, talk to Him every single day. Start each day acknowledging Him as soon as you are awake. It can be a praise such as “God, You are so good!” Or perhaps a prayer asking Him to be with you throughout the day and guide you. Possibly the best possible prayer to start your day, though, is a prayer of surrender. Acknowledge God’s ownership of everything in your life – your time, your money, your body, your loved ones, your possessions, your abilities, your strengths, your weaknesses, your fears, your hopes, your grief, your suffering, your joy, your pain. Surrender it all to Him daily and watch how He uses it for His glory and your ultimate good. God does not promise we will always be comfortable but He does promise to care for our needs. (This topic will need its own discussion.) In addition to starting your day with prayer, keep talking to Him throughout the day. When you see something beautiful, praise Him! When you encounter someone, pray for them. When you are worried, surprised, puzzled, excited about something, tell Him about it. When something pleasant happens, thank Him. When something unpleasant happens, ask Him to help you deal with it. Keep the conversation going and don’t forget to listen for His responses. (Also a topic for another day.)

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

James 4:8

Second, study His Word. Read the Bible daily and get involved in a verse by verse Bible study on a weekly basis. There are lots of in-person and online options for this. Some Bible-based churches offer them. There are good studies offered for free at https://versebyverseministry.org/. Whatever method you choose, make sure the scriptures are being taught in context, study each book of the Bible from the beginning of the book to its end. You don’t have to do them in order. Genesis is a great place to start, but so is John or Matthew. Pray about it and let the Holy Spirit guide you.

Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light on my path.

Psalm 119:105

Third, pay attention to God’s activity in and around you. Listen when other believers share what God has done in their lives. Notice and remember when God answers your prayers. Pay attention to all of the times He has been faithful. Keep in mind that God is not Santa Claus. He may not answer your prayer in the way you expected or asked for. For example, you might pray for Him to help you find a way to pay your mortgage so you don’t have to move. His answer might be to guide you to a home you can afford. As you see God working in your life, tell people! Share the stories of His answers to your prayers, His provision, and His blessings. Not only will this encourage other people, it will cement those memories in your mind as well. Remember, you hear every word you say!

Come and listen, all who fear God,
and I will tell what he has done for me.

Psalm 66:16

Building trust takes time and memory. Each time you face a new challenge, recalling God’s past faithfulness will not only help you tackle anxiety, fear, and doubt, but it will grow your trust in God. In time, you will find that trust is a solid anchor you can hold onto when life gets rough.