How can I learn to trust in the faithfulness of God?

Answer

Many passages in Scripture praise the faithfulness of God. Lamentations 3:22–23 states, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” So, what does faithfulness mean?

The Hebrew term translated as “faithfulness” signifies “steadfastness, firmness, fidelity.” The opposite of being faithful is to be inconsistent or indecisive. Psalm 119:89–90 declares, “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations.” Here, faithfulness is linked with God’s Word. God communicates eternal truth. If God stated something a thousand years ago, it remains valid. He is faithful to His Word because His Word reflects His character. The commitments He made still stand true because He does not change «For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. », (Malachi 3:6). This is exemplified from a human perspective in a couple married for many years. When the wife is on her deathbed, her husband remains by her side holding her hand. He does not abandon her, even if she no longer recognizes him. He stays faithful to the promises he made to her. Similarly, God stays faithful to His promises, even when we are often unfaithful to Him «if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. », (2 Timothy 2:13).

We come to trust a person’s character by getting to know them. We would not trust our bank account to a stranger we met in line at the post office—we lack familiarity with them. We are unaware of their character. Before we know God, we hesitate to trust Him. We do not yet understand who He is or what He might do. We learn to trust God byGetting to know His character. There are three ways we can get to know Him: studying His Word, reviewing His working in our own lives, and learning to follow His voice.

When we study God’s Word, a pattern emerges. We learn that God never changes and never lies (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29). We learn through Scripture that God has never failed in the past “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.”, (Isaiah 51:6). He was always true to His Word as He worked in the lives of the ancient Israelites. When He said He would do something, He did it (Numbers 11:23; Matthew 24:35). We begin to build trust upon His proven character. We can trust that God will be true to Himself. He will never cease acting like God. He will never cease being sovereign, being holy, or being good (1 Timothy 6:15; 1 Peter 1:16).

We learn through our own history that He has never failed us, either. One command God often gave the Israelites was: “Remember” (Deuteronomy 8:2; Isaiah 46:9). When they remembered all God had done for them, they could more easily trust Him for the future. We need to intentionally remember all the ways God has provided for us and delivered us in the past. Keeping a prayer journal can help with this. When we recall the ways God has answered our prayers, it equips us to continue asking and expecting answers.When we approach Him in prayer, we are confident that He always listens to us (1 John 5:14; Psalm 34:15). He supplies all our needs as stated, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Moreover, He ensures that everything works together for our good when we place our trust in Him, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Reflecting on His past faithfulness helps us trust in God’s future faithfulness.

We can also develop trust by discerning His voice from the other competing voices. Jesus mentioned, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). As followers of Jesus, we must learn to recognize His voice. He primarily speaks through His Word but can also communicate through other people, circumstances, and the inner confirmation of the Holy Spirit, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). By reading and reflecting on Scripture, the Holy Spirit often guides us to a verse or passage that is relevant to our current situation. Trust is built by embracing His promises and applying them in our lives.

Above all, God delights in our demonstration of faith, “But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for h

He that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. », (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is trusting in the character of God before we see how He will work things out. He has given us His Word, and His promises remain valid. As we witness how He fulfills His promises, our confidence in His faithfulness grows. Just as our trust in other people deepens with daily interaction, our trust in God grows in the same manner. We trust Him when we know Him, and knowing Him leads to trusting Him. When we know Him, we can rest in His goodness, even when we do not comprehend the circumstances that appear to contradict it. We can trust that God’s plan for us will prevail « There are many devices in a man’s heart; Nevertheless, the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. », (Proverbs 19:21). Like a child trusts a loving father, we can trust our heavenly Father to always do what is right.