Why is trusting God so difficult?

A few weeks ago,  I was talking to a friend who had just gone through a very difficult time in his life, which left him very shattered,  and he told me : « You know, I believe in God, I pray a lot, but when it comes time to trust in Him, it is very difficult for me. » Then last week, another friend confided in me : « I believe in God, but when I see all the evil in the world today, the insecurity, the evil doers, the sicknesses, I must admit I am very anxious. Trusting God is very difficult for me.»

In fact, lots of people face this dilemna : they believe in God, but they struggle with all types of fears and insecurities, they are shattered by the traumas they suffered, sickness, loss of a loved one ; and they feel insecure. Needless to say, they can’t really enjoy life. 

It reminds me the story of the father who is teaching how to swim to his little boy. He waits for him in the water while the child is on the side of the swimming pool. The father tells his son : « Go ahead, jump, I will catch you, I promise ! Don’t be afraid ! » Even though he is scared, the little boy jumps—and at the last instant, the father moves his arms, and lets him fall in the water and struggle, powerless. The little one goes under several times and fights to surface, until finally his dad rescues him and bring him out of the water. Once the little boy is in security in his arms, the father tells him : « You just learnt your first lesson : never trust anybody ! »

Now does God treat us this way ? Absolutely not ! He does not « let us down » unexpectedly, neither does He teach us to never trust anyone. No ! He works with us to teach us how to have a greater trust in Him. He tells us : « I will never leave you nor forsake you. » (Deuterenomy 31 :6)

Herein lies the real root of the problem: people don't know God as they should. They know He exists, they know about Him, but they don’t realize the nature and character of our loving  heavenly Father, and they have difficulties believing that He has their best interests in mind. It's not God's fault. He is always present and ready to help us, but we just haven't been showing up for class.

How do we get to know someone and become close to them and trust them ? Simply by spending time with them and developing a deep close relationship with them. It is just impossible to know someone and get to trust them without spending time with them. It works the same way with God. If we really knew the love of God in an intimate way, our faith would work and our trust would grow.

Most of us have a tendency to claim that we trust in God. However, at the first sign of any difficulty or trial, we think that God must not love us. We can trust in many things and people. None, however, offer the protection plan, the long term security, or the benefits that trusting in God offers.

All of the other things and people in which we place our trust can fail. God never fails! In the words of King David,      ". . . Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. . ."   (1 Chronicles 28:20). You see, when we get to know God—really know Him—it fills us with hope and confidence because we realize He’s greater than any situation we will ever encounter. He can even use the attempts of the devil to  harm us and make something good come out of it, for us and others.

Understanding God’s character and incredible love for us allows us to relax and trust Him in ever area of our lives. I encourage you to get to know God more and more, and the best way to do it is by studying His Word, not only reading it, but studying and meditating on it.  Make this time with HIm, every day, your priority, no matter how busy your schedule is. It will change your life and give you the peace you are looking for. Talk to God like He is your best friend, and ask Him to reveal His love and character to you in a greater way.

Remember : God is good and He is on your side. He loves you. No problem is too big for Him and He loves you more than you will ever know. He has great projects for you. Here is the truth on which you need to lean on.