In God We Trust

I want us to pause and think deeply about one of the hardest, most essential aspects of our walk with God: trust. And not just any trust—the kind of trust that reaches beyond what we can see, beyond what we can understand, and, sometimes, even beyond what makes sense to us. Trust is defined as a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. So (and this is my sermon in a sentence), when it comes to trusting God, that means believing in His reliability, His Word, His ability and His strength. Proverbs 3:5-6, tells us, "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." These words sound beautiful and encouraging, but if we're honest, they can be challenging to live by. Trusting without seeing? Leaning not on our own understanding? Submitting everything to Him? This is what some would call a radical level of faith. We’re often told to have faith, to “let go and let God.” But what does it really mean to trust in a God we can’t see, especially when life feels uncertain, when answers don’t come quickly, or when the path ahead seems dark? How do we trust God when our natural instinct is to rely on what we can see, touch, and control? Everyday you get a daily reminder to trust in God. On money “In God we trust” is the driving force of that reminder. But let’s be honest, everybody that has that money doesn't trust in God. The very thing that we rely on to get the pleasures and treasures of this world, is the very thing that is used to remind us where to put it, In the Lord. Let’s go deeper. Take your hand, put it in front of your face and blow, what did you feel? Oxygen. You can't see oxygen but you believe you can breathe. Right there that’s God giving you a lesson on trusting what you can't see, despite what it looks and sometimes feels like. Ok, somebody is still missing what I’m saying. Let’s think about human anatomy, and in it the brain. The brain is the control center of the body that processes sensory information and coordinates bodily functions. You cant see the brain or the way the inside of your body functions, but you trust that the body will do what its supposed to so you can stand up right. (OK I haven't made it down your row yet.) That bill that came unexpectedly, that sickness that hit you of no where, that phone call you got from the doctors office to come in for more test, that relationship that you thought got in and you thought that partner was the right partner. (Ok somebody still looking at me like “huh.”) You went to bed last night, and didn't know if you were gonna be in the number one more time, but when you laid down… you put your TRUST in.. Is there anybody in here standing on the promises of God? Then, look at your neighbor and “I PUT MY TRUST IN GOD.” (I got to calm down brother Pastor, I’m still in my introduction) But I dare to think about a time when your money got funny or your body got unhealthy, or even a time where the doctors report was favorable, and you got that small reminder to just “trust in the Lord.” Cause when I think about Jesus, and alllll that he’s done for me..... Ok Ok we got to move on.

King Solomon wrote Proverbs 3, as a guide to living wisely and following God's path. In this chapter, Solomon emphasizes themes like trust in God, the value of wisdom, the importance of moral integrity, and humility. Solomon’s purpose was to impart practical wisdom that would help people live righteously, make good decisions, and understand the blessings that come with obeying God. Come on and let us dive into this proverb, and it is my prayer that this is used as an encouragement for some and a guide for others.

‍The 1st thing I would like to encourage us to do is “trust fully.” Let’s look at the first part of verse 5. Solomon invites us to “trust in the Lord.” Trust here is more than just belief; it implies a confident and secure reliance on God, rooted in a deep relationship. This trust doesn’t waver with circumstances; it’s unwavering and wholehearted. To trust "with all your heart" means that we don't hold back any part of ourselves or our lives from God. It’s a call to open every part of our mind, will, and emotions to Him. You see, when we trust in something, we are placing our security in that entity. For example, I absolutely trust my earthly father, which means I have total and complete confidence in his integrity, ability, and good character because I know him and have a relationship with him. I trust in him because I know he will do what's best for me. However, is that the same level of trust I am placing in my Heavenly Father?

If I am being honest, I would admit that it is harder to trust God than it is man, even though man will always let us down. Only God is perfectly trustworthy and faithful. Yet if I do not take time to get to know Him, I will never come to trust Him. God is not a man that he should lie, nor a son that he should repent. If He said it, you can go to sleep on it, cause it will come to pass.

The 2nd part of that stanza says "with all your heart” why does the heart matter?(I'm so glad you asked) The “heart” in biblical terms represents the core of who we are – our thoughts, emotions, and decision-making center. Trusting God with our whole heart invites us to surrender not just our thoughts but also our feelings, fears, and dreams to Him. The heart is often where anxieties reside, so trusting God with our heart means letting go of these fears and believing that God will carry and care for us, even when we don’t understand how. Can I encourage you today? I want to encourage you to take the issues of your heart and place them at the Lord’s feet. What I’ve found in my own life when I surrender and place my problems at the feet of the Lord, this surrender leaves no room for our own anxiety or worry, but completely entrusts it to God's sovereignty. And as crazy as that may sound or even as scary as it may be, the next part of this verse is necessary for the "trusting" to lead to "His holding."

The next thing I want to encourage you to do is recognize your limitations. You see, to "lean not on your own understanding” is to lean completely into the strong arms of God's holding. It means to not rely on ourselves, essentially letting go of what we think we know and letting God take the helm of what He perfectly knows. As humans, we are naturally inclined to make decisions based on logic, experience, or gut feelings. While these can be valuable, they’re inherently limited and sometimes unreliable. This verse suggests that we should avoid depending solely on our own perspective, which can be clouded by biases, emotions, or incomplete knowledge. Leaning on our own understanding can mean relying on only what is visible or understandable to us. However, God’s wisdom transcends human knowledge and often operates in ways beyond our comprehension. Choosing to not lean on our own understanding is a call to humility, accepting that we might not always have the full picture and that God’s ways may defy our expectations. 1 Peter 5:6 invites us to “humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt us in due time.” This doesn’t mean ignoring reason or logic; rather, it suggests that after doing our best to understand a situation, we still bring it to God, acknowledging that His wisdom is greater. In situations where we might feel inclined to overanalyze or control outcomes, this phrase encourages us to release our need for control and trust that God’s view is broader and more comprehensive.

3rd I want to encourage you to make submission an act. Verse 6 starts by telling us “In all your ways acknowledge Him": To submit to God means to place all aspects of our lives under His authority. It’s an act of humility and obedience. not some ways or some days, but always with all of our ways. The phrase “all your ways” encompasses every aspect of life: personal goals, relationships, work, thoughts, behaviors, and even the smallest decisions. Submitting to God in all things is about letting Him be involved in our daily choices and making a habit of seeking His counsel. It means we don’t compartmentalize God into certain parts of our lives but invite Him into every decision and direction. This means to admit the existence, reality, and trustworthiness of God. To acknowledge Him as Lord over our world and to give Him full access to sit on the throne of our hearts. There and only there can He begin to govern our walk.Submission here is about aligning our plans, goals, and desires with God’s purpose. This is not about losing autonomy or agency; rather, it’s about ensuring that our choices resonate with God’s values of love, kindness, justice, and integrity. When we submit to Him, we ask, “Is this decision honorable to God?” or “Is this choice in line with His guidance?” It also means being willing to adjust or even abandon plans if they don’t align with God’s guidance. Submission isn’t passive; it’s an intentional choice to bring God into every part of our lives. it’s an active stance of obedience and willingness to follow where God leads, even if it’s uncomfortable or requires sacrifice.

Last and finally I want to encourage you to remember God’s Promise in Direction. The phrase “And He will make your paths straight." means that God will guide and protect those who trust Him. This doesn’t mean the path will always be easy or without obstacles, but it will be clear in purpose and direction.He will begin to establish our steps and lead us where He needs us. When we place our trust in Him and align ourselves with His guidance, He will direct our steps and help us navigate life. "Straight paths" symbolize clarity, purpose, and divine guidance that leads us away from pitfalls and toward God’s intended destination for us. Making paths straight implies removing obstacles, confusion, or unnecessary detours. Sometimes, life can feel like a maze of options, each with its own risks and unknowns. This phrase reassures that God will provide direction, smooth out difficulties, and give us insight to make wise choices. He will lead us to where we are meant to be, often in ways that seem to “open up” just when we need them. Importantly, “making paths straight” doesn’t necessarily mean an easy, challenge-free life. Rather, it means a life where God is actively involved, clearing away confusion, and bringing purpose even in challenges. It’s an invitation to walk confidently, trusting that God is leading and that even obstacles are part of His refining and growth process for us.

I'm done but I want to encourage you to make a commitment today to deepen your trust in God, especially in areas where they cannot see the outcome. Apply Proverbs 3:5-6 in your Daily Life. It offers us a blueprint for handling life’s uncertainties and decision-making. Here’s how it might look in practice:

When facing decisions, take them to God in prayer and ask for wisdom, then make choices based on principles of faith, integrity, and trust.

In moments of anxiety or fear, remind yourself to trust in God rather than relying on your own feelings or perceptions. This might involve surrendering specific worries or plans to God daily.

When life is unclear or challenging, remember that “straight paths” do not mean the absence of difficulty but rather assurance of divine direction. Be willing to wait, adjust, or move forward as you sense God leading.

Build a relationship of trust with God over time by engaging in regular spiritual practices such as prayer, scripture study, and reflection. Knowing Him helps grow that trust, making it easier to let go of self-reliance.This week when you’re at home create yourself an “In God We Trust” box. When you create it, deposit the things that you’re trusting God to handle as it relates to your life. No matter what it might be. Once deposited, pray daily for strength to let go of control and to trust God completely. Ask God to increase your faith and to allow him to deliver on his promise. If you’re looking for an example of a man who put his trust in God look at Jesus. Jesus is one who was unsure but he exhibited his trust. In the Garden of Gethsemane in the midst of uncertainty he placed his trust in God. He got down and he prayed and he said “Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.” Jesus put his trust in God as they marched him from courtroom to courtroom and heard the guilty verdict, Jesus still put his trust in God. As he marched his way to calvary and took lashing after lashing, beating after beating, he still… put his trust in God. As they put nails in his hands, nails in his feet, pierced him in the side and put a crown of thorns on his head. He still put his trust in God. Living he loved me, dying he saved me, buried he took my sins far away. One of these ole days, he coming back for you and me. The bible says, the clouds will roll back and trumpets are gonna sound. But until that day, I’m gone keep trusting in the Lord. Look at your neighbor and say “neighbor.. I’m gone keep trusting in God,” even when I cant trace him or track him, I’m gone trust in God, on my good days. I'm gone trust in God. On my bad days, I’m gone trust in God. I don't know how you feel about it, but when I look back over my life and I think things over. All of my good days outweigh my bad days. So I’m gone trust in the Lord. I’ve got a right and I’ve got a reason to trust in God. Will you trust Him? Will you trust Him? Can you say “Yea.” all over the building. Say “Yea.” I'm in my seat, but you know when I think about trust, I think back to the old Mount Hermon. I think about the late Deacon Willie B. Reason. Deacon Willie B. Reason would get up on Sunday morning’s and assist in leading devotion and they would open with a song and then they give scripture and then a deacon would pray. And after that deacon got done praying, Deacon Willie B. Reason would step in front of the Mic and he would string out and start singing and he would sing a song that went a little something like this. Come on music team help me out. (Start “I will trust in the Lord” and then sit down).