Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8010 Faith  »  8030 trust  »  8031 trust, importance of

Scripture emphasises the importance of putting one's trust in God. This trust, which is nurtured by an understanding of God's revealed truth, finds expression in a life lived according to his purpose. There are examples in Scripture of proper trust being placed in other people.

Grounds for trust in God

Trust in God's power and strength

Exodus 14:31; 2 Timothy 1:12 See also 2 Samuel 22:1-3 pp Psalm 18:2-3; Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 115:9-11; Psalm 144:1-2

Trust in God's unfailing love

Psalm 13:5 See also Exodus 15:13; Psalm 17:7; Psalm 21:7; Psalm 33:18; Psalm 52:8; Psalm 147:11

Trust in God's salvation

Isaiah 12:2 See also 1 Samuel 17:37; Psalm 22:4-5; Psalm 40:2-3; Isaiah 25:9

Trust nurtured by God's revealed truth

Proverbs 22:19-21 See also Psalm 18:30; Psalm 119:42; Proverbs 30:5; John 12:36; John 14:1-3

Expressions of trust in God

Praise and worship

Psalm 4:5; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 64:10; Daniel 3:28

Perseverance in faith

Isaiah 7:4-7; Jeremiah 51:46-47; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; Hebrews 10:35-36; Hebrews 12:2-3; James 1:12; James 5:11

Holding on to God's promise

1 Kings 8:56-57; Psalm 130:5; Acts 26:7; Romans 4:20-21; Colossians 1:5

Jesus Christ's trust in the Father

Luke 23:46 See also Psalm 31:5; Psalm 22:8; Matthew 27:43; Hebrews 2:13; Isaiah 8:17

King Hezekiah's trust in God

2 Kings 18:5-7 pp 2 Chronicles 31:20-21 See also 2 Kings 18:30 pp Isaiah 36:15; 2 Kings 19:14-19 pp Isaiah 37:14-20; 2 Chronicles 32:20

Further examples of trust in God

Ruth 2:12 Ruth; 1 Chronicles 5:20 the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh; Daniel 3:17 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; Daniel 6:23 Daniel; Zephaniah 3:12 the meek and humble; Acts 14:23 members of the NT churches

The results of trusting in God

Peace

Isaiah 26:3-4 See also Romans 15:13

Security

Psalm 37:3 See also Psalm 32:10; Psalm 125:1; Proverbs 29:25; Isaiah 28:16; Isaiah 57:13

Protection from danger

Psalm 25:1-3; Psalm 31:14-15; Psalm 32:7; Psalm 33:18-22; Psalm 91:1-4

Freedom from fear

Psalm 27:1 See also Psalm 23:4; Psalm 34:4; Psalm 56:3-4,10-11; Psalm 112:7

Prosperity

Proverbs 28:25 In the OT material prosperity is often seen as a sign of the spiritual wealth that belongs to those who trust God; Proverbs 16:20; Jeremiah 17:7-8

Strength

Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 40:29-31

Physical life

Psalm 25:20; Jeremiah 39:18; Jeremiah 49:11

Trust in people

God's servants entrusted with responsibility

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 See also Luke 16:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:14

Trust at home and work

Proverbs 31:10-11 A good wife gives her husband confidence; Titus 2:10 Employees should be trustworthy.

Examples of trusting others

Genesis 39:4 See also Genesis 41:39-40; Exodus 19:9 Moses to be trusted by Israel; 1 Chronicles 9:22 the gatekeepers appointed by David and Samuel; Nehemiah 2:6 Nehemiah is trusted by Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem; Daniel 5:29-6:2 Daniel given responsibility; Philippians 2:25 Paul's confidence in Epaphroditus; 2 Timothy 2:2 Timothy to find others to be entrusted to teach the gospel

Continued trust in those who fail

Jonah 3:1-2 God re-appoints Jonah despite earlier disobedience. See also John 21:15 Jesus Christ reinstates Peter after his denial; Acts 15:37-39 Barnabas gives John Mark a second chance.

See also

1035  God, faithfulness
1460  truth
1690  word of God
5051  responsibility
5467  promises, divine
8021  faith
8104  assurance
8213  confidence
8224  dependence
8248  faithfulness
8354  trustworthiness
8678  waiting on God