Cultivating a Profound Trust in God

Last week in Proverbs chapter 2, we explored the profound ways to engage with God’s Word—approaching it with sincere hearts, deeply cherishing His commandments, and practicing meditation on His teachings. As we move into Chapter 3, we’re invited to delve into the essence of understanding and trusting God. Let’s begin with a thought-provoking question: What does it really mean to trust God?

At first glance, it might seem simple to answer with, “I believe in God, so I trust Him.” It sounds straightforward, right? But I used to think that belief and trust were interchangeable until God gently opened my eyes to the truth. Time and again, whenever I faced challenges, my heart silently battled my mind. Doubts and fears crept in, overwhelming me. I came to realize that belief is an intellectual acknowledgment of God’s existence—something that resides in the mind—while trust springs forth from the heart.

I’ve always had a timid nature, often feeling scared even in the most trivial situations. When it came to medical procedures, I would repeatedly request sedation, earning myself the affectionate nickname “the screamer” among doctors and nurses. Oddly enough, I had come to accept this label as part of my identity. However, just last week, I found myself facing a dilemma. My doctor informed me about a straightforward procedure that didn’t require sedation, and panic surged through me. I pleaded, “Please, can I have sedation?” His calm response was, “Celeste, this is just a six-to-ten-minute nerve block procedure. You don’t need sedation.” Despite his reassurances, I felt helpless against my mounting anxiety and kept telling myself I couldn’t face this challenge.

Yet, in His infinite love, mercy, and grace, God was fully aware of my struggle. He orchestrated a moment to gently remind me that my weakness could become a source of strength through Him.

On Thursday, while my husband was having a check-up with his orthopedic doctor, I took the chance to ask the nurse about the discomfort in my right heel. After reviewing the X-rays, the doctor suggested I get a cortisone injection. In that instant, dread washed over me, and I asked, “Will that hurt?” The nurse reassured me in a gentle tone, “I’ll use a freezing spray to numb the area. You’ll be okay.” Trying to inject some humor into the situation, I replied, “Well, I guess you don’t know me that well. I’m the screamer.” She smiled warmly and said, “You’ll be okay. Today is your chance to show that’s not who you are,” before walking away.

In that moment, I turned my heart toward the Lord and whispered, “Jesus, You know I’m not strong. I’m fearful.” Just then, the Holy Spirit stirred my spirit with today’s verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5 NLT)

With determination, I declared, “Okay, Lord, I’m going to trust You. I won’t focus on the circumstances, nor will I let my past experiences dictate my feelings. I will set aside my fears and entrust my heart to You, recognizing the many times You have shown up in my life and surpassed my expectations.”

Philippians 4:6 offers a promise: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

At that moment, I surrendered my anxiety to the Lord. As the doctor entered and prepared for the injection, I closed my eyes, immersing myself in those scriptures. Instead of spiraling into thoughts of fear and dread, I connected with the Lord from the depths of my heart. When I finished praying, the doctor had completed the procedure. She encouraged me to open my eyes and congratulated me on my bravery. I smiled softly and replied, “It wasn’t me. It was the One within me, for when I am weak, He makes me strong.” (See 2 Corinthians 12:10)

Have you ever wondered why God emphasizes the importance of trusting Him? What does it really mean to trust the Lord?

Reflecting on my initial reaction and the patterns I developed in facing pain and uncertainty, I realized that I seldom turned to the Lord first. Instead, I made excuses for my fears, relying solely on my own experiences and understanding. Essentially, I was saying, “I can handle this. I can only bear pain with sedation or medication.” I failed to lean on God’s faithfulness, even after witnessing how He has repeatedly exceeded my expectations, just as He did last Thursday. The danger in relying solely on my understanding is that I limit God’s full presence in my life.

The Scriptures are rich with stories of ordinary people, just like you and me, who chose to put their trust in God and allow Him to fulfill His divine purpose in their lives.

In Hebrews 11, we discover that “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT) We learn about Noah, who “by faith, built a large boat to save his family from the flood, obeying God who warned him of things never seen before.” (Hebrews 11:7) We hear of Abraham, who “by faith, obeyed when God called him to leave his home and journey to a new land God promised as his inheritance, setting out without knowing where he was headed.” (Hebrews 11:8)

Trust in God is like a sturdy bridge. Just as a bridge needs solid foundations to support the weight of those crossing it, our faith must be built on trust to navigate the challenges of life. Without a strong bridge, even the shortest journey can feel daunting, and without trust in our relationship with God, our spiritual path can become unstable and uncertain.

Here are some constructive practices that, for me, foster a deeper trust in God rather than relying solely on my own understanding:

• Becoming acquainted with God’s character is essential. During my ankle surgery two years ago, as I lay in bed unable to move, I took the opportunity to read the Scriptures and identify at least one attribute of God each day. To truly appreciate His attributes, I realized I needed to explore His names, each revealing a unique aspect of who God is. I found valuable insights in Tony Evans’ book and devotion, *The Names of God*.
• Journaling about the moments when God has shown up in my life and exceeded my expectations. This reflection not only strengthens my faith but also serves as a reminder of His faithfulness. I also write down Scriptures that highlight God’s promises, placing them in my journal, in my Bible, or on sticky notes around my space where I have my quiet time.
• Dedicating time to listening to worship music and praying allows me to surrender fully. It creates moments of silence where I can invite God to minister to my heart. These practices collectively help me cultivate a deeper trust and reliance on Him.

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Reflection:

I invite you to take a moment to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes. Doing so will enhance your understanding of Proverbs 3 and help you learn to trust God more deeply. As you read Proverbs 3 carefully, you’ll discover powerful insights that illuminate your journey toward wisdom, understanding, and a stronger faith in God. You might find the following prompts helpful as you navigate this path.

• Can you recall specific experiences that have strengthened your trust in God? Reflect on the challenges you’ve encountered—how can you actively nurture that trust during challenging times?
• Can you think of one person from the Scriptures who placed their faith in God and whose actions have inspired you? Who comes to mind? How did God shape their life through their moments of faith?
• In what ways can this individual’s faith and trust in God motivate you to embark on your own journey of trusting Him? I would love to hear your thoughts.

 

Prayer:

Father, words cannot fully capture Your incredible love, mercy, and compassion. Time and again, I have faltered, relying on my own understanding and strength rather than fully trusting in You. Yet, in Your infinite patience, love, and grace, You gently wait for moments of stillness in my heart and mind to remind me through Your Word and the Holy Spirit to trust You. You’ve surprised me with Your faithfulness, consistently exceeding my expectations throughout my journey. Each time my heart falters, draw me back to You. Remind me of who You are. I am so grateful that You focus not on my faults but on the heart that longs for You. Instead of my broken pieces, You see a beautifully woven tapestry that You are masterfully creating. Thank You, Lord, for Your unwavering love, grace, and the completed work of Jesus on the cross. In Jesus’ name, I thank You, amen.

 

Reference

Caporusso, C. (2025). (Millbrook, NY). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, NLT. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.