Trusting in the Lord

Daily Rays of Hope #131

The Reward of Peace and Unshakable Hope

Today's Scripture:
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
— Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

There is no firmer foundation than trust in the Lord. In a world filled with uncertainty, shifting values, and broken promises, the one who places their confidence in God is called blessed. Jeremiah 17:7 reminds us that our hope is not built on circumstances, people, or emotions. Our hope is anchored in the Lord.

When we trust in the Lord, we are choosing to believe that His Word is true. We are agreeing with heaven and aligning ourselves with a peace that is not determined by what we see. Proverbs 3:5-6 reinforces this by saying, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” This kind of trust requires humility. It requires surrender. And it produces stability.

There is a difference between placing our trust in the flesh and trusting in God. The verses just before Jeremiah 17:7 give a stark warning. Verse 5 says, “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” When we put our hope in the flesh—our own strength, the opinions of others, or the systems of this world—we are left vulnerable to disappointment. Flesh is limited. But God is limitless.

Isaiah 26:3 gives us a beautiful picture of what trust in God produces. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Trusting in God brings rest to the soul. It removes the pressure to control everything and opens the door to divine peace. This is not the peace the world offers. It is not conditional or temporary. It is the peace that Jesus promises in John 14:27 when He says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Trusting in the Lord is also deeply connected to seeking His face. Psalm 27:8 says, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek His face.’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Trust causes us to pursue God with expectation. It compels us to look to Him for guidance, for wisdom, for comfort, and for direction. In doing so, we become more grounded in His will and less swayed by our own desires or the opinions of others.

In the Gospels, Jesus continually encouraged people to trust Him. Whether it was calming storms, raising the dead, or providing food for thousands, He invited people into deeper faith through trust. And He still does today.

To trust the Lord is to let go of fear. It is to choose hope when fear whispers lies. It is to believe that even when things are uncertain, God is still working for your good. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

This kind of trust strengthens our faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Trust builds our faith and reminds us that even when we cannot trace God's hand, we can trust His heart.

Three Practical Ways to Trust God Daily and Walk in His Will

1. Start Each Day in Prayer and the Word
   Trust begins with relationship. Spend time in God's Word each morning and invite Him into your day. Ask Him to lead your steps and speak truth into your heart. Let His Word guide your thoughts so you can walk in confidence and peace.

2. Surrender Control through Worship
   When life feels out of control, take a moment to worship. Worship shifts your focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver. Sing songs of surrender. Speak words of praise. This helps you remember who God is and why He is worthy of your trust.

3. Journal Your Journey of Trust
   Write down your prayers and the ways you see God moving. Record answered prayers and scriptures that speak to your heart. Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in the past strengthens your faith for the present and reminds you to keep trusting Him with the future.

As you walk with the Lord, keep your heart anchored in Him. Trusting God is not always easy, but it is always worth it. He is faithful. He is good. And when your confidence is in Him, you are blessed beyond measure.