O God, You Are My GodSample

Misplaced Trust

Misplaced trust hinders our pursuit and growth. Without realizing it, we put our trust in our perspective, our feelings, or our way of doing things rather than the Word and promises of God. We may know His Word well and still not live according to it. We lean on our understanding rather than trusting the Lord wholeheartedly, demonstrating our unbelief in our disobedience. God repeatedly promises that He will provide all our needs (Phil. 4:19, Mt. 6:25-34, 2 Cor. 9:8). Yet, when we face suffering—our husband loses his job, our daughter’s test score indicates she has a learning disability, a friend betrays our trust, or we simply get a flat tire—we panic. Anxious thoughts and feelings flood our minds: “God has forgotten me. God doesn’t love me. I am all alone!”

What is more, we put trust in our own power. Years ago, I fervently tried to seek the Lord, but a barrier blocked my way. I was afraid to look at my sin because I could not fathom that anyone could change my heart, not even God. I had confessed my sins so many times, and I thought, “No one else is a sinner like me!” Hiding and repressing it was the only thing I knew to do while I tried harder and harder to be good. All the effort in the world would not wash away my sin and transform my heart. If we seek God in our own strength, we are sure to fail. If righteousness were achievable by good works or excellent performance, Christ’s suffering and death would have been unnecessary. My trust was not in the Lord; it was in myself. We are exhorted in Proverbs 3:5-7 ESV, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.” My misguided trust had detoured me and imprisoned me for decades.

Ask the Lord to reveal any areas of your heart where you have misguided or misplaced trust. As we ask Him to search our hearts, He will show us. He will try us and help us see the grievous ways and lead us in His way (Ps. 139:23-24).