TRUST
righteousness
Scripture identifies a close link between righteousness and faith. Part of “being in a right relationship with God” is believing and trusting in him. The NT does not see faith simply in terms of moral righteousness, but also in terms of a living trusting relationship with God. Scripture affirms the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ in all their activity.
trust, importance of
Scripture emphasizes the importance of putting one’s trust in God. This trust, which is nurtured by an understanding of God’s revealed truth, finds expression in a life lived according to his purpose. There are examples in Scripture of proper trust being placed in other people.
Grounds for trust in God
Trust in God’s power and strength Ex 14:31; 2Ti 1:12 See also 2Sa 22:1-3 pp Ps 18:2-3; Ps 9:9-10; 115:9-11; 144:1-2
Trust in God’s unfailing love Ps 13:5 See also Ex 15:13; Ps 17:7; 21:7; 33:18; 52:8; 147:11
Trust in God’s salvation Isa 12:2 See also 1Sa 17:37; Ps 22:4-5; 40:2-3; Isa 25:9
Trust nurtured by God’s revealed truth
Pr 22:19-21 See also Ps 18:30; 119:42; Pr 30:5; Jn 12:36; 14:1-3
Expressions of trust in God
Praise and worship Ps 4:5; 28:7; 64:10; Da 3:28
Perseverance in faith Isa 7:4-7; Jer 51:46-47; 2Th 1:4; Heb 10:35-36; 12:2-3; Jas 1:12; 5:11
Holding on to God’s promise 1Ki 8:56-57; Ps 130:5; Ac 26:7; Ro 4:20-21; Col 1:5
Jesus Christ’s trust in the Father
Lk 23:46 See also Ps 31:5; 22:8; Mt 27:43; Heb 2:13; Isa 8:17
King Hezekiah’s trust in God
2Ki 18:5-7 pp 2Ch 31:20-21 See also 2Ki 18:30 pp Isa 36:15; 2Ki 19:14-19 pp Isa 37:14-20; 2Ch 32:20
Further examples of trust in God
Ru 2:12 Ruth; 1Ch 5:20 the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh; Da 3:17 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; Da 6:23 Daniel; Zep 3:12 the meek and humble; Ac 14:23 members of the NT churches
The results of trusting in God
Peace Isa 26:3-4 See also Ro 15:13
Security Ps 37:3 See also Ps 32:10; 125:1; Pr 29:25; Isa 28:16; 57:13
Protection from danger Ps 25:1-3; 31:14-15; 32:7; 33:18-22; 91:1-4
Freedom from fear Ps 27:1 See also Ps 23:4; 34:4; 56:3-4,10-11; 112:7
Prosperity Pr 28:25 In the OT material prosperity is often seen as a sign of the spiritual wealth that belongs to those who trust God; Pr 16:20; Jer 17:7-8
Strength Isa 30:15; 40:29-31
Physical life Ps 25:20; Jer 39:18; 49:11
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
9 On the day I call for help, my enemies will be defeated.
I know that God is on my side.
10 I praise God for his word to me;
I praise the LORD for his word.
11 I trust in God. I will not be afraid.
What can people do to me?
righteousness, as faith
Full faith and trust make a person pleasing in the sight of God.