Topical Encyclopedia Trust in the loving-kindness of God is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, offering believers assurance and hope in the steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to place their trust in God's unfailing love, which is a source of comfort and strength in times of trouble.Old Testament Foundations The concept of God's loving-kindness, often translated from the Hebrew word "chesed," is foundational in the Old Testament. It denotes God's steadfast love, mercy, and covenantal faithfulness. In Psalm 136, the refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" is repeated in every verse, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's love and the encouragement it provides to trust in Him. In the life of David, we see a profound trust in God's loving-kindness. In Psalm 13:5, David declares, "But I have trusted in Your loving devotion; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation" . Despite facing numerous adversities, David's trust in God's steadfast love remains unshaken, serving as an example for believers to rely on God's unwavering commitment to His people. Prophetic Assurance The prophets also speak of God's loving-kindness as a reason for trust. In Lamentations 3:22-23, amidst the desolation of Jerusalem, Jeremiah writes, "Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness" . This passage reassures believers that God's compassion and faithfulness are renewed daily, providing a constant source of hope and encouragement. Isaiah 54:10 further underscores this promise: "Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken," says the LORD, who has compassion on you" . Here, God's loving-kindness is depicted as more enduring than the earth itself, inviting believers to trust in His unchanging nature. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the loving-kindness of God is most fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 5:8, writes, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" . This ultimate act of love provides the foundation for believers' trust in God's benevolent intentions and His power to save. The Apostle John also emphasizes this theme in 1 John 4:9-10: "This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins" . The sacrificial love of Christ is the ultimate encouragement for believers to trust in God's loving-kindness. Practical Encouragements Believers are encouraged to respond to God's loving-kindness with trust and obedience. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" . This passage calls for a wholehearted reliance on God's wisdom and guidance, rooted in the assurance of His steadfast love. Furthermore, Philippians 4:6-7 offers practical encouragement: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . Trusting in God's loving-kindness allows believers to experience His peace, even amidst life's uncertainties. In summary, the Bible consistently encourages believers to trust in the loving-kindness of God, which is demonstrated through His faithful actions, promises, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. This trust is both a response to God's love and a source of strength and peace for the believer. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 36:7How excellent is your loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library John i. 16 The Passing and the Permanent Saved by Grace; Covenant Duties. The Acceptable Sacrifice; Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ... A Treatise of the Fear of God; Israel's Hope Encouraged; Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; A Few Sighs from Hell; Resources Why should I trust GotQuestions.org? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we learn to trust God like the prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:17-19)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about trusting others? | GotQuestions.org Trust: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trust of Saints Is in the Mercy of God Trust of Saints Is in the Word of God Trust of Saints Is: Despised by the Wicked Trust of Saints Is: Grounded on the Covenant Trust of Saints Is: Not in Carnal Weapons Trust of Saints Is: Not in the Flesh Trust of Saints Is: Not in Themselves Trust of Saints Is: Strong in the Prospect of Death Trust of Saints Is: Through Christ Trust of Saints Is: Unalterable Trust of the Wicked is in Earthly Alliances Trust of the Wicked is in Falsehood Trust of the Wicked is in Idols Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Heart Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Righteousness Trust of the Wicked is in Vanity Trust of the Wicked is in Wealth Trust of the Wicked is not in God Trust of the Wicked is Vain and Delusive Trust of the Wicked: Israelites Trust of the Wicked: Sennacherib Trust of the Wicked: Shall be Destroyed Trust of the Wicked: Shall Make Them Ashamed Trust of the Wicked--Illustrated Trust: Blessedness of Placing, in God Trust: Encouragements to Former Deliverances Trust: Encouragements to The Care of God for Us Trust: Encouragements to The Everlasting Strength of God Trust: Encouragements to The Goodness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Loving-Kindness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Rich Bounty of God Trust: God is the True Object of Trust: Leads to Being Compassed With Mercy Trust: Leads to Deliverance from Enemies Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of all Temporal and Spiritual Blessings Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Happiness Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Perfect Peace Trust: Leads to Fulfilment of all Holy Desires Trust: Leads to Rejoicing in God Trust: Leads to Safety in Times of Danger Trust: Saints Plead, in Prayer Trust: should be from Youth Up Trust: should be With the Whole Heart Trust: The Fear of God Leads To Trust: The Lord Knows Those Who Have Trust: To be Accompanied by Doing Good Related Terms |
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