Three Keys to Growing in Trust

Growing in trust seems like a mysterious, supernatural thing we have zero control over. And yet in Scripture Paul says: "Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment." (1 Timothy 6:17) 

We are admonished to teach people to not trust in money but rather to trust in God. So trust is not really a mystery that just happens; it is an area in which we learn and grow. 

Here are three things we can do to grow in our trust of God as our provider, so that we can live with open hands and an open heart toward Him.

1. Recognize the difference between wants and needs.

The first thing you can do to grow in your trust of God is to recognize the difference between wants and needs. 

Don't start thinking God doesn't want you to have what you want. When talking about prayer, Jesus said in Matthew 7:11, "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." 

This verse is often taken out of context as if God would give you absolutely everything for which you've asked. Think of that concept from the perspective of a father. I am the father of four children; as they were growing up, while I wanted them to be happy and loved giving them what they wanted, there were some things I knew would be bad for them. For instance, when they first learned to ride a bike and wanted to ride in the street amongst traffic, the answer was no. Not because I didn't love them, rather because I love them too much to let them do things that could destroy their lives.  

God enjoys giving us, as His children, things we want, things that make us happy.  But He is a Father; and as our loving, Heavenly Father, He cares more about our character than giving us everything we want. In His infinite wisdom there are times He says, "No." 

Don't be mistaken, God always answers prayer. It's just often we haven't learned to listen to and understand His answers, especially when He says "no" or "wait". Even when He answers "no" or "wait" we can trust Him to always provide for all our needs: "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) That is why it is so important to recognize the difference between wants and needs.

2. Remember this is an act of worship. 

When you open your hands to God, it is an act of worship. This is why open hands lead to an open heart relationally with Him. This act of opening your hands to Him is recognition; He is the One who provided you with everything and you are trusting Him with all of your life, not just a part. 

God is looking for people He can trust with His resources, people He can depend on to move them where He needs them for the sake of advancing His kingdom. "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?" (Luke 16:10-12) 

Opening your hands to Him with all He has provided you is an act of worship; in which you are saying, "It's all Yours God, I choose to worship You, do as You wish with everything in my life".  

The contrary is also true. In any area of your life you close your hands to God, you cling to something else as if to say, "It's mine, leave it alone". This then becomes a place in your life you withhold worship. It may not be intentional, but it is a barrier between you and your relationship with your Father; it is a withholding of worship. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." Notice: your heart follows your treasure. When you place the treasures of this world into His hands as a trusting act of worship, you open your heart to Him.

3. Return a portion to God.

All things come from Him. Jesus confirmed this regarding His own life: "Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you..." (John 17:7) In context, Jesus is proclaiming He is the Creator of all things. When we acknowledge this truth, we understand everything is His and He can do what He wishes. We are simply looking for His guidance and direction. He directs us to live in the discipline of returning a portion, the first portion, to Him. Why? He wants us to keep open hands and an open heart. 

I can't help but picture myself reaching across the table at a fast food restaurant to take a few of my kids' french fries. I want them to joyfully and willingly allow me to take a few fries, knowing and trusting that I will make sure they have all the fries they need or want. In fact, it is even better to hear these words before I reach over: "Dad, do you want a few of my fries before I get started on them?" This requires knowing and trusting the heart of the father. It brings great joy to this dad's heart. It makes me want to provide for them in even greater ways, knowing they understand I am “lord of the fries” and want what's best for them; they can trust me with their fries.

Living out these three things will ensure continual growth in your trust of God and ultimately aid in assuring that you live with open hands and an open heart to Him as your Father. God is not opposed to you having material goods. He simply does not want things to control you. Whatever or whoever you are clinging to with a closed fist, it has you. If you are not already, you will eventually become enslaved to the things you cling to and withhold from Him. That is the possession or person who has your heart. Not my words, but the words of Jesus. Read it again and let it sink in: "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." (Matthew 6:21)

Resolve that nothing and no one will have your heart but God alone. Resolve to live with open hands to Him so your heart will always remain open to Him. The more we understand this, the more we understand why money matters to God. Remember that it's not about a need He has, it’s about how passionate He is about you as His child. 

This is an edited excerpt from Jeff’s book on finances and the Kingdom, Lord of the Fries. You can download the first three chapters for free here. Or check out the series on Lord of the Fries here.