Faith Begins with Trust

Background

The Book of Proverbs is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, son of David and king of Israel.

- Solomon is identified as the primary author in Proverbs 1:1 

Proverbs was written and compiled over time, but Solomon’s contributions date to approximately the 10th century BC, during Israel’s united monarchy. - This was a period of political stability and economic prosperity 

- Israel experienced cultural and intellectual growth 

- Wisdom literature flourished as part of court life and education 

 Cultural Setting

In the ancient Near East, wisdom literature was used to train young people, especially future leaders, in moral living and sound judgment. - Proverbs functioned as practical instruction for daily life 

- Wisdom was not merely intellectual but moral and spiritual 

- True wisdom was understood to begin with fear of the Lord 

“Faith Begins with Trust,”

We’re going to lay the foundation for the entire series by defining what biblical faith truly is. This lesson reframes faith from a feeling or optimism about outcomes into a deep, relational trust in God’s character and promises. Beginning the year with this principle will anchor everything that follows in who God is, and not in changing circumstances.

Proverbs is one of the most widely known passages in the Old Testament, valued for its concise teaching on trust, guidance, and reliance on God

This session teaches that faith starts when believers choose to rely on God rather than their own understanding. Trust is presented as the root from which obedience, courage, and perseverance grow.

Definition of Trust

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Trust is generally understood as a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. It involves confidence that the person or entity will act in a way that is consistent, honest, and dependable. Trust often requires vulnerability because it means relying on another party without complete control or certainty.

Faith is not confidence in outcomes; it is confidence in God.

Proverbs 3:5–6 is one of the most widely known passages in the Old Testament, valued for its concise teaching on trust, guidance, and reliance on God

Trusting God Over Self

Proverbs 3:5–6 calls believers to trust God with their whole heart and warns against leaning on personal understanding.

- Trust involves surrender, not partial reliance 

- Human understanding is limited and shaped by emotion and experience 

- God’s direction becomes clear when He is acknowledged first 

This passage establishes that faith begins with a decision to yield control.

Faith Defined

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as assurance and conviction regarding God’s promises.

- Faith rests on God’s faithfulness, not visible proof 

- Trust fills the gap between promise and fulfillment 

- Faith allows believers to move forward without seeing the outcome 

Faith is not denial of reality; it is confidence in a greater reality shaped by God’s word.

 Key Teaching Points

1. Trust Is a Choice

Trust is not automatic or emotional; it is intentional.

- Trust often contradicts feelings 

- Trust requires releasing the need to control outcomes 

- Trust grows through repeated surrender 

Every new year brings unknowns, making the choice to trust God especially relevant.

2. Trust Precedes Obedience

Obedience flows naturally from trust.

- We obey what we trust 

- Lack of obedience often reveals lack of trust 

- Trust transforms God’s commands from burdens into guidance 

When trust is absent, obedience feels risky; when trust is present, obedience feels reasonable.

3. Trust Is Built Through Relationship

Trust deepens through knowing God personally.

- God’s past faithfulness builds present trust 

- Time in Scripture reveals God’s character 

- Prayer strengthens relational dependence 

Lean Not

Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Here, leaning refers to relying on human reasoning or self-sufficiency, which is limited and shaped by emotion and experience.

Psalm 37 emphasizes delighting in the Lord before committing one’s way to Him.

 Discussion and Reflection Prompts

- What competes most strongly with trusting God in your life? 

- In which areas do you rely on your own understanding the most? 

- How has God shown Himself faithful in your past? 

These questions help participants connect biblical truth with personal experience.

 Practical Application

Psalm 37:3–5 “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

Personal Reflection Exercise

Write down areas where they feel anxious or uncertain about the year ahead. Next to each, write a prayer of surrender, intentionally placing that concern in God’s hands.

Weekly Practice

- Begin each day with a short prayer of trust 

- Meditate on Proverbs 3:5–6 throughout the week 

- Keep a gratitude list noting evidence of God’s faithfulness 

 Key Takeaway for the Week

Faith does not start when circumstances change; it starts when trust is placed in God.