By Andrew Williams
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Good morning fellow disciples, in this series we will be answering questions that will help us to become faithful disciples of Christ.
Trusting God fully is a vital aspect of our faith, but various barriers can hinder us from doing so. Understanding these obstacles can help us confront them and deepen our relationship with God.
HERE ARE SOME COMMON BARRIERS WE MAY FACE IN TRUSTING HIM COMPLETELY.
1. Fear of the Unknown
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Fear of uncertainty can make it difficult to trust God. We often want to see the entire path laid out before us, but God calls us to trust Him with our future. Remember that His plans for us are good, even when we cannot see the way forward. Leaning into faith means surrendering our need for control.
2. Past Experiences and Disappointments
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Past hurts and disappointments can create hesitancy in trusting God. If we’ve experienced loss or unmet expectations, it’s natural to feel cautious. However, God promises that He works all things together for our good. Reflect on how He has been faithful in the past, and allow those memories to encourage your trust in Him.
3. Doubt and Unbelief
“But he said, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.'” (Luke 18:27)
Doubt can be a significant barrier to trust. We may question God’s ability or willingness to intervene in our situations. Acknowledging our doubts is the first step toward overcoming them. Bring your questions to God, knowing that He welcomes our honesty and desires to strengthen our faith.
4. Comparisons with Others
“Each will have to bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:5)
Comparing our circumstances to those of others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. We may wonder why God seems to bless others while we struggle. Remember that God has a unique plan for each of us. Focus on your own journey and trust that He is working in your life according to His perfect timing.
5. Lack of Intimacy with God
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
A lack of intimacy in our relationship with God can hinder our ability to trust Him fully. The more we know Him—His character, His promises, and His love—the easier it becomes to trust Him. Spend time in prayer and Scripture, seeking to deepen your relationship with Him. As you grow closer, your trust will strengthen.
6. Seeking Immediate Gratification
“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:25)
In a world that values instant results, waiting on God can be challenging. We may struggle to trust His timing, wanting answers and solutions right away. However, patience is a vital part of trust. Learn to embrace the waiting period, knowing that God is preparing you for what lies ahead.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your unwavering love and faithfulness. Help me to identify the barriers that hinder my trust in You.
When fear of the unknown arises, remind me of Your good plans for my future. Heal the wounds of past disappointments and help me to see Your hand at work in my life.
Help me confront my doubts and replace them with faith in You. Guard my heart against comparisons with others, and teach me to focus on my unique journey with You.
Draw me closer to You, Lord, that I may experience a deeper intimacy in our relationship. Teach me to wait patiently on Your timing, trusting that You are always at work.
Thank You for being a trustworthy and loving God. May I learn to trust You fully in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.