Why Can’t I Trust God?

Trust isn’t something that comes easy for most people. We’ve all likely experienced encounters that have caused disappointment and led to our distrust of others in our life. We’ve also likely faced times that tested our faith in God because it didn’t feel to us like He was taking care of us in specific moments. Likely something happened that we defined as ‘horrible’ or ‘bad,’ and God didn’t respond to our desires, and even our prayers, in the way we thought He should.

You may be like me and find yourself in an ever-changing, slightly chaotic stage of life right now. During this stage of my life, I sometimes have found myself asking God, “Why is this happening  to me?” I’ve also thought, “This isn’t what I asked for! Did You not hear my prayer? Or do You just not care? Do you really even love me?” 

As my questions and doubts stack up, I can experience guilt for my lack of trust in God. I sometimes struggle with how I can overcome these downward spiraling doubts and renew my trust in God’s faithfulness. Maybe you’ve experienced this too, or know of someone who has.

Through these times of doubt, I’ve learned to focus on and seek after God and His will even more urgently and zealously than if things had gone the way I’d hoped and assumed they should go. These seasons of doubt and distrust have led me to read and rely upon His Word. Reading His Word and meditating upon it has led me to know Him better and built my trust in Him. These are some of the truths I’ve learned, and that I cling to when I face doubts and need to be renewed in my faith:

God Knows Better Than I Do

We all tend to assume we know what is best for us. However, God knows far, far better what is truly best for us. As our Creator, He knows the exact purpose for which He put us all on this earth. He alone knows what will bring us true fulfillment in life. It is when we choose to submit to His plan and His perfect will that we will find our purpose, joy, and peace. 

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah  55:9 ESV).

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God   prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV). 

God’s Plans and Will Are for My Good 

God allows us to go through trials (John 16:33) to help us achieve His end goal for our lives. A failing marriage, chronic  health conditions, a layoff at work, or the death of a loved one will likely never feel ripe with purpose. Yet, these trials we face — if we pursue Christ through them — can be the very instruments of God’s grace to build our trust in God. If we choose to seek Him in the midst of those trials, we will discover that God will sustain us, and that He is able to use those very trials for our good and for His glory.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4 ESV). 

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 ESV).

He Will Never Abandon Me

Through all the trials that cause us to wonder, “Why can’t I trust God?” and “Where is He when I need Him most?” I encourage you to keep in mind that God is always with you! 

At times we may feel as if we are all alone, but that is not the reality. We cannot trust our unreliable feelings. Instead, we can always trust the character of our Almighty and Holy God, Who cannot lie, having told us that He is always with us (Hebrews 13:5). What we must do is renew our minds in the truth of His Word that assures us of His presence and His power!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 ESV).

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b ESV).

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV).

Discover How Our Scripture and Prayer Cards Can Strengthen Your Trust in God

During trials, it can be especially difficult for us to focus our anxious minds on God’s Word, the very ‘nourishment’ our spirits and souls require. If you are struggling to read the Bible or pray on your own, our prayer cards are a simple and handy resource that provides you with daily Scripture and prayers to build and renew your faith. 

What Is a Prayer Card?

We created our Scripture and prayer cards to give you a way to access quick and simple encouragement throughout your day. Each card has a Bible verse and related prayer printed on them. These cards are small and handy so that you can carry them around in your pocket, wallet, or purse. You can even use them as memory cards to help you ingrain Scripture into your heart.

Dwell on Scripture Daily

Sometimes it can be challenging to invest a large chunk of time in reading several chapters of the Bible when you are struggling to trust in God. But investing time in the Word is essential to growing your trust in the Lord. When you use our Scripture and prayer cards, you will be presented with a short Scripture passage to read and to dwell upon throughout the day.

Speak With God Daily

Sometimes we don’t have the words to pray when we are in the thick of it. With our Scripture and prayer cards, you can pray a pre-written prayer that relates to the short Scripture reading of the day. That prayer can help you to connect daily with our Savior and Lord — and you can be assured that you are praying God’s will when you pray His Word!

Suggestions for How to Use Our Scripture and Prayer Cards

Choose a Prayer Card

Each day, choose one or more of the prayer cards to read and meditate upon throughout the day. 

Read the Scripture Verse

At the beginning of the day, read a Scripture verse and ask God to help you understand the truth of His Word and how to apply it to your life.

Pray the Prayer

After reading and meditating upon the Bible verse, flip over the card and pray the prayer  that’s based upon the selected scripture. 

Keep It With You

Keep your daily prayer card in your pocket or nearby so that if you need encouragement throughout the day, you can refer back to your card and pray your daily prayer again. 

Share with Others

You also may wish to send a whole set to family or friends who you know are needing to build their faith in God. Or, you may wish to send a single card in the mail along with a note or card to let someone special know that you’re thinking of and praying for them.

Order Your Scripture and Prayer Cards

Take a step towards diving into the Word daily with these Scripture and prayer cards. Each order comes with 52 cards containing verses of the Bible, and 52 prayers based upon the included scriptures. Order your personal prayer card pack here.