Struggles With Trust

by Pastor Mark
June 27, 2024

All will struggle

Many of us think we have a strong and fervent trust in the Lord. But if we are honest with ourselves, we will realise that our trust is far weaker and lacking than we dare to admit. Especially as we go through trouble after trouble, we will struggle to trust the Lord.

David was known to be a significant king and servant of the Lord in Israel’s history. But he, too, struggled with trusting the Lord as he faced many troubles in his life. David wrote of these struggles very candidly in Psalm 31.

Placing trust in God

“In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed;” (Psalm 31:1)

  1. David began this psalm by declaring his trust in the Lord.
  2. His focus on God would not be in vain as he would not be ashamed.
  3. He prayed to God as his rock and fortress who would provide a safe refuge and a strong defence (Psalm 31:2,3)
  4. David had his fair share of enemies who troubled him.
  5. But he learnt to have a definite trust in the Lord: “I have hated those who regard useless idols; but I trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:6)
  6. He sought to find joy and dependence on the mercies of God (Psalm 31:7).
  7. It seemed like David was able to cope with his adverse circumstances.

 Struggling to trust

  1. David revealed that he was facing many adversities that were affecting his soul (Psalm 31:7).
  2. As he experienced trouble after trouble, his trust was adversely affected (Psalm 31:7,9).
  3. He was severely hit by grief over his troubles (Psalm 31:9,10).
    1. David’s eyes wasted away because of the tears shed.
    2. His soul felt deep grief and his body struggled with great weariness.
    3. David’s grief was so bad that it was as if his whole life was filled with grief.
    4. His sadness was so prolonged that it seemed like years.
  4. David’s strength also failed as he acknowledged that part of the problem was due to iniquity in his life, though we are unsure what this iniquity was (Psalm 31:10).
  5. He felt alone, sad and forgotten, along with many other negative feelings.

Learning to trust the Lord through our struggles

“But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand;” (Psalm 31:14–15)

Amidst all these troubles, David learnt to struggle through his grief and weariness. He sought to apply his faith and trust in the Lord. David gained more insights, understanding and light on trusting through his struggles. He declared that the Lord was his God, reflecting his continuing relationship with the Lord.

David went through different times in his life, both good and bad. No matter the time, he was learning to entrust himself to the Lord’s hand. David knew that the Lord had sovereign control over all things and would bring about His deliverance in time (Psalm 31:15). He would make His face shine on His servant again according to His mercies (Psalm 31:16).

All of us will struggle when we are faced with trouble after trouble. But let us be challenged to trust God through our struggles, as we have a loving and gracious God who will bless us with His great goodness.

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