Topical Bible: Trust: God is the True Object of

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Trust, in the biblical sense, is a profound reliance and confidence in God as the ultimate source of security, guidance, and provision. Throughout Scripture, trust in God is presented as a fundamental aspect of faith and a necessary component of a righteous life. The Bible consistently emphasizes that God alone is worthy of our complete trust, as He is faithful, unchanging, and sovereign over all creation.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for understanding trust in God. In Proverbs 3:5-6, the call to trust is clear: "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 highlights the importance of relying on God's wisdom rather than human insight.

The Psalms frequently express trust in God amidst adversity. Psalm 56:3-4 states, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Here, trust is depicted as a refuge and source of courage in the face of fear.

The prophet Isaiah also underscores the necessity of trusting God. Isaiah 26:3-4 declares, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD Himself, is the Rock eternal." Trust in God is associated with peace and stability, contrasting with the fleeting nature of human solutions.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues the theme of trust in God, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself calls for trust in God in Matthew 6:25-34, where He instructs His followers not to worry about their needs, emphasizing that the Father knows and provides for them.

The apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently speaks of trust in God as central to the Christian life. In 2 Corinthians 1:9-10, Paul recounts his own experience of relying on God: "Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us."

Trust in God's Character

Trust in God is rooted in His unchanging character. God is depicted as faithful, just, and loving. Lamentations 3:22-23 affirms, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This assurance of God's steadfast love and mercy provides a solid foundation for trust.

Furthermore, God's sovereignty and omnipotence are reasons to trust Him. In Romans 8:28, Paul writes, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This verse reassures believers that God's control over all circumstances is directed toward their ultimate good.

Trust as an Act of Worship

Trusting God is not merely a passive state but an active expression of worship and obedience. It involves surrendering one's own will and understanding to God's greater plan. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," provides numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated trust in God through their actions, despite not seeing the fulfillment of His promises in their lifetime.

Challenges to Trust

While Scripture calls believers to trust God, it also acknowledges the challenges and struggles that can arise. Doubt, fear, and the temptation to rely on worldly solutions can hinder trust. The Bible encourages believers to seek God's strength and guidance in overcoming these obstacles, as seen in Psalm 37:5, "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it."

Conclusion

The biblical call to trust in God is a central theme that permeates both the Old and New Testaments. It is an invitation to rely on God's character, promises, and sovereignty, recognizing Him as the true object of trust in all aspects of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 65:5
By terrible things in righteousness will you answer us, O God of our salvation; who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off on the sea:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The True vision of God
... The true bond of union between men and Jesus Christ is faith ... only Christ to whom
it is right to give our trust. If He be not God manifest in the flesh, I ought ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the true vision of god.htm

God's Covenant with Abram
... This same thought of the true object of faith as personal helps us to understand ...
But it was the same God whom Abram trusted, and whom we trust as made ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/gods covenant with abram.htm

Political Religion
... On the open plain, God guards those who trust Him more securely than if they lay
in cities ... The true object of worship was worshipped in a false way. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/political religion.htm

The Heath in the Desert and the Tree by the River
... their true object his heart-capacities of love and trust, and clings to creatures
and to men, 'making flesh his arm and departing from the living God'; the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the heath in the desert.htm

The Unknown To-Morrow
... Why divert our God-given faculty of hope from its true object? ... Him to tender, wise,
disciplinary dealing, and should move us to calm and happy trust. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the unknown to-morrow.htm

On Faith in God and Christ
... But trust or confidence is consequent to it; for ... of faith, containing the meaning
concerning God and Christ ... it acknowledges this object to be true, but likewise ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xliv on faith in.htm

Faith in God and Christ
... all others, namely, these either audacious or most true claims to ... in Christ is faith
in God, and faith in God which is ... To trust in Him is to trust in the Father ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/faith in god and christ.htm

Thwarting God's Purpose
... avengers, and"I was going to say, and it is true "our own ... has died for your sins,
and that if you will trust Him as ... Even through my lips God speaks to you. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/thwarting gods purpose.htm

The Truth of God
... Truth is the object of trust.' The truth of God is an immovable rock, on which we
may venture our ... God can as well cease to be God, as cease to be true. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 the truth of god.htm

Waiting Only Upon God
... we do not like it; we are afraid to trust God; and until ... to console you, tell your
story into the ears of God. As sure as the Bible is true he will not leave ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/waiting only upon god.htm