Have you ever encountered individuals who struggle with deep-seated distrust toward various aspects of life? I have come across several individuals with such tendencies.

One group comprises conspiracy theorists who firmly believe that the government conceals the existence of alien spaceships and that historical events, like the moon landing, were fabricated. Their pervasive distrust in official narratives leads them to seek alternative explanations for significant events.

There are also people who harbor a profound lack of trust in religion. They view it as a means for controlling others through rules and threats of punishment, rather than genuinely seeking a relationship with a higher power. This skepticism often stems from their skepticism about the reality of God’s existence.

I’ve encountered women who find it challenging to trust men due to past experiences of abuse or being raised in environments where male dominance was prevalent. These painful experiences have shaped their perception of men as potential oppressors, leading them to build emotional walls as a defense mechanism and have led to a mistrust of all men.

I have also encountered individuals who struggle with trust issues within their close relationships. Whether it’s mistrust towards their spouse, children, or parents, their previous experiences or insecurities may contribute to these feelings of doubt and suspicion.

In a world filled with uncertainty and disappointments, trust becomes an essential cornerstone of our relationships with God and one another. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the significance of trust, and it remains a virtue worth cultivating in our hearts. Let’s look at the Scriptures and some real-life examples to understand how to become a trusting person, recover from being untrusting, and grasp the profound impact that a lack of trust can have on our lives.

1. Becoming a Trusting Person:

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) sets the foundation for trust: “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.” To become a trusting person, we must first learn to place our trust in God. Just as a child relies on their loving parent, we can trust that God’s plans for us are good and that He will lead us on the right path.

Real-life example: Abraham in Genesis 22. Despite the great difficulty, he trusted God’s promise and was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, believing in God’s faithfulness. God provided a ram as a substitute and blessed Abraham abundantly for his unwavering trust.

2. Recovering from Being Untrusting:

If we find ourselves struggling with trust due to past hurts or disappointments, we must remember that God is the ultimate healer and restorer. Psalm 147:3 (NIV) says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Surrendering our pain to God allows Him to work in our hearts and rebuild our ability to trust.

Real-life example: Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, struggled to believe in the resurrection until he saw the risen Lord with his own eyes (John 20:24-29). Jesus lovingly met Thomas in his doubt and encouraged him to believe. When we doubt, God meets us where we are, gently guiding us back to a place of trust.

3. The Effects of Distrust:

Distrust can be detrimental to our well-being and relationships. It creates walls between us and others, hindering genuine connections. Proverbs 11:13 (NIV) warns, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” When we are untrusting, we may find ourselves gossiping or talking negatively about others, creating further division. Unfounded mistrust in a person causes an array of emotions such as hurt, sadness to anger.  If it goes on for a long time it can cause permanent damage to relationships.

Real-life example: Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). Judas’ lack of trust in Jesus’ intentions led to a devastating consequence and eternal regret.

Trust is a precious gift that leads us to freedom and strengthens our relationships with God and others. By cultivating trust in God and healing from past hurts, we can become people of unwavering faith. When we trust in the Lord, we find comfort in His plans and experience the joy of genuine connections with those around us. When we trust in ourselves, it can cause harm to our mental, physical, and spiritual health and it breaks down our ability to have healthy relationships with others.  Our childhood and past experiences may have an impact on who we are, but we do not have to let those past experiences define who have become.  With God’s help we CAN change.  We have to take the steps to trust God to take care of those who are not doing the right things.  That is His responsibility not ours.

Distrust is a complex emotion that can be rooted in various experiences and perceptions. It can have a profound impact on one’s ability to form meaningful connections and enjoy the fullness of life’s experiences. Understanding and addressing these trust issues require patience, empathy, and, at times, professional support to facilitate healing and foster healthier relationships.

If you are a distrusting person or have a trusting person in your life, pray for a trusting heart, relying on God’s guidance and goodness in every aspect of your lives.  Choose to forgive past betrayals and approach others with open hearts, just as God does with us. As we trust in Him completely, we can walk confidently on the path He has set before us, knowing that His love and faithfulness will never fail.