The Perils of Misplaced Trust
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people. – Psalms 118:8
Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
Understanding Interpersonal Trust
Interpersonal trust refers to the confidence or belief one person has in another’s reliability, honesty, and ability to act in their best interest. It is a key part of healthy relationships, and whether it exists or not affects how well we connect and interact. It creates a sense of safety and security in relationships, allowing people to be open and vulnerable. However, trust within society is now at its lowest level in nearly fifty years (Week Magazine). This prompts the question: Are people less trustworthy than they used to be?
The Pain of Broken Trust
Many people have experienced the pain of misplaced trust. Friends may abandon one another in times of need, partners can disappoint each other, and scammers use clever tricks to deceive. These betrayals are not just abstract concepts; they become deeply personal when they affect us, our families, or our friends.
When trust is broken, it often leads to a cascade of emotions: disappointment, despair, anger, and even a desire for revenge. Over time, these experiences can diminish our ability to trust others. We build emotional walls to avoid vulnerability and connection. This loss of trust comes at a significant cost. It can prevent us from seeking advice, forming new relationships, or pursuing opportunities, leaving us with the regret of “what might have been.”
The Challenge of Misplaced Trust
The issue isn’t trust itself, but rather where we place our trust. This raises important questions:
- Are we too trusting?
- Do we have a hard time recognizing trustworthy people?
- Do we trust people who do not deserve it?
While trust is vital for building healthy relationships, it’s important to remember that we live in a fallen world with imperfect people. Even the most well-meaning can cause disappointment.
Psalms 118:8 reminds us: “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people.” This verse emphasizes that human relationships, while valuable, are imperfect. Trusting in the Lord provides a stable foundation that cannot be shaken, even when others fail us.
Restoring Trust Through Faith
The Father created us with an inherent desire to trust others. He has endowed us with a built-in “truster.” When our “truster” is damaged, it may feel as if this part of us is beyond repair. How many of us have said, “I will never trust again.”
However, the Father offers restoration. By seeking refuge in Him, we can find healing and the courage to trust once more. The Father can restore trustworthy relationships in our lives and guide us toward making wise decisions.
REFLECT & PRAY
Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” This wise counsel enables us to rely on God’s faithfulness instead of our limited perspective or the unreliable promises of others.
Father, broken trust, dashed hopes, and betrayal leave deep wounds. Please encourage my heart and restore my ability to trust. Thank You for being my refuge, always faithful and unchanging.
INSIGHT
Rebuilding Trust Through Scripture
Rebuilding trust, especially after it has been broken, is a challenging but essential process. The Scriptures offer deep insights into how trust can be restored, particularly in our relationship with the Father. Throughout Israel’s history, there have been numerous moments when the people struggled to trust in God. Their lack of faith often stemmed from a misunderstanding of His heart and intentions. They doubted His love and care, believing that He did not value them.
Psalms 78:22 says, “They did not believe God or trust him to care for them.” When we doubt someone’s care for us or their intentions, our ability to trust, our “truster”, shuts down. This is true in human relationships and, sadly, in our relationship with the Father. The question each child of the King must answer is this: What do we believe about the Father’s heart? Is He truly caring? Is He loving? Does He pursue us with joy and come alongside us in our need?
The Father’s Heart Revealed in Scripture
The Scriptures answer these questions with a resounding affirmation of the Father’s love and faithfulness.
Psalms 28:7 states, “The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”
This verse shows the Father as a source of strength and protection, filling our hearts with joy and gratitude. Likewise, Psalms 11:1 proclaims, “I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, ‘Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!’”
These verses remind us that the Father is neither distant nor indifferent. He is actively involved in our lives, providing strength, protection, and joy to those who trust in Him. When we break down the walls of doubt and eliminate the moats of fear, we can fully experience His care and, like David, sing a song of thanksgiving.
A New Song of Trust and Praise
David’s life stands as a vibrant testimony to the Father’s unwavering faithfulness. A warrior at heart, he endured years of relentless pursuit, fleeing from the menacing shadow of Saul and other formidable foes. Each day brought new peril and doubt, leaving him in a constant state of vulnerability. Yet, in the divine tapestry of life, the Father intervened at just the right moment, guiding David through every trial and lifting him out of the depths of despair. In response to this miraculous deliverance, David joyfully invited those around him to witness the incredible goodness of the Father, encouraging them to join him in a jubilant new song of praise.
Psalms 40:3 says, “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.”
David’s invitation is echoed throughout the Psalms, where he encourages us to sing new songs to the Lord in response to His wonderful deeds. Psalms 98:1 proclaims, “Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!”
The Father not only frees us from trials but also gifts us a fresh melody to sing, a song that celebrates His unfailing love, invigorating grace, and boundless kindness.
The Faithfulness of the Father
The Father’s faithfulness is beautifully captured in Lamentations 3:22-23:
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
A Legacy of Trust
Rebuilding trust starts with understanding the Father’s heart. He is a loving, caring, and faithful Father who seeks to restore our “truster” and draw us closer to Him. As we place our trust in Him, we receive not only deliverance but also the joy of singing a new song, a hymn of praise that testifies to His goodness and encourages others to trust in Him as well. His mercies are endless, His love unfailing, and His faithfulness eternal.
Trust is an essential part of human relationships, but it is not flawless. By putting our ultimate trust in the Lord, we can navigate the challenges of broken trust and find the strength to move forward, building a legacy of faith and connection.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 