Not Trusting God Leads to Stress

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

Psalm 20:7 (NIV)

Everyone trusts something. The question is, in what—or in whom—do you place your trust?

Our society tends to spurn trust—or at least we say we do. We’re skeptical of everyone and everything. We don’t trust the government or journalists. Employees don’t trust employers. Customers don’t trust businesses. We don’t even trust the weather report! When you get down to the bottom of the decline of trust today, you’ll find that our society’s “truth decay” is a big part of it.

Truth and trust go together. You trust people who tell you the truth. You don’t trust people if you don’t think they’re telling you the truth. And if you don’t believe in absolute truth, then you can’t trust anyone to tell you the truth.

Our lack of trust causes us tremendous stress in life. We were born to trust. God wired us with the capacity and desire to trust in something greater than ourselves, because he wanted us to have a relationship with him.

If you don’t trust God, then you will create something else to trust. It may be a diploma on the wall, money in the bank, your spouse, your career, or a hobby. This desire to trust in something larger than ourselves is nothing new. The biblical writers were keenly aware of it in their cultures as well. The Bible says in Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (NIV). 

The Bible has a word for whatever we place our trust in rather than God. The Bible calls it an “idol.” God’s Word says that, for our own good, we need to stay away from idols: “For your own good . . . do not sin by making for yourselves an idol in any form” (Deuteronomy 4:15-16 GNT).

So, how can you know truth? You spend time reading and studying and meditating on Scripture. You learn what truth is by getting to know a person, Jesus Christ. As you do, you’ll find the most secure place for your trust and a foundation for life.

Talk It Over

  • What are you tempted to trust in rather than God?
  • How does a lack of trust in God lead to stress in your life?
  • Look at the areas of stress in your life. What do they reveal about your trust in God? How can you change that?

Have you trusted God’s promise of salvation through Jesus Christ?

If you’re ready to commit your life to Jesus, then pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I receive you into my life as my Lord and Savior. I trust you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management.

“I’m grateful for your unconditional love. I want to use the rest of my life to love and serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.