Trust is essential in the life of a Christ-follower. It has to be in operation on a daily basis. Otherwise, how will you draw close to God? You cannot knock on the door of his house—heaven is his home. Nor can you pull up a chair at his table—there are no round-trip flights to and from heaven—only one-way. You do not see God, although it is possible to “feel” his presence. You do not hear God, at least not with physical ears. When you talk to God, it is a one-way conversation—again from a physical perspective.
Therefore, you must trust that God exists, cares immensely about you, and longingly desires to have a close personal relationship with you. There cannot be room for doubt in a relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
In a recent post, I mentioned an article I am working on regarding capturing thoughts. I hope to have it ready to post on the website next week. The article centers around the plan of the enemy, the devil, to deceive and manipulate humanity through thoughts and ideas in order to hold them hostage. If you doubt that God exists, you are fair game for the enemy’s tactics. If you do not think God listens when you talk to him, you invite the strategies of the enemy to overtake you. If you cannot get close to God because you cannot see God, then the enemy will, which you will not see, has an advantage over you.
Spending time in the word of God is different from simply reading it. There is a value in reading the word of God, especially out loud, but to spend time in the word of God is far more important. For example, instead of simply reading, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son,” spending time in the word of God will cause you to ask, what does that look like? Someone loving someone so much that they would give their own son. What does it mean to give your son anyway?
This is where reading different translations can be of value. This is also where reading a commentary of what someone else thinks about the same question can assist you. It is also important to spend time with others who are asking the same, or similar questions. The interaction would be very enlightening.
These are things that develop trust in your relationship with the godhead. Generally, this takes time to develop; it is simply fallen human nature. Trust is earned. There can be exceptions to this rule. For example, there is a story in the Bible where a Roman commander comes to Jesus asking for help healing his servant. Jesus agrees to come with the man, who is quick to respond, “There is no need sir. When I tell my servant to do something, he does it. In like manner, you only need to speak the word and it will be done.” Jesus was astonished that the man trusted, therefore believed, so quickly that Jesus did this thing for his servant.
That kind of trust—though admirable—is not common. Therefore it must be earned, and it must be built upon.
Enjoy the journey.