Trusting God—it sounds simple, but in real life, it’s often anything but. It’s difficult. It’s gut-wrenching at times. It’s strength-breaking when you resist surrender. And when life gets messy, prayers go unanswered, or fear starts to creep in, even the most devoted believers can find themselves wondering, “What does it actually mean to trust God?” In What Does It Really Mean to Trust God?—-7 Practical Faith Steps, we delve into the ins and outs of it all.
If you’ve ever asked that question, you’re not alone. Trusting God is more than a Christian cliché—it’s a daily, deliberate choice to rely on God’s character, Word, and presence over your own understanding. And yes, your understanding will be tested.
Let’s unpack what trust really looks like in your walk with God and explore 7 practical steps to help you live out that trust—even when it’s hard.
What Does It Really Mean to Trust God?
At its core, trusting God means placing your full confidence in His character, His timing, and His promises—even when you can’t see the outcome or path forward.
It’s not passive. Trust is active faith—a decision to:
- Surrender control, even when you’re afraid.
- Lean on God’s Word, even when your emotions waver.
- Walk forward in obedience, even when clarity feels far away.
In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re reminded:
“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.”
So how do we practically do this in everyday life?
7 Practical Steps to Build Trust in God
1. Acknowledge Where You Struggle to Trust
Start with honesty. Are you trusting God in some areas but trying to control others?
Write it down. Name it in prayer. God isn’t afraid of your fears or doubts—He wants to meet you in them. Believe me, I’ve had my fair share of “why is it so hard to trust God” moments. Honestly, I’ve been having them the MOST in my current season.
For whatever reason, my confidence has felt the most shaken, my faith feels more fleeting, and remaining hopeful has been such an uphill climb. And once I began praying for God to reveal the “root” of my trust issues—-He began showing me the childhood traumas, friendship betrayals, and personal failures that have created “barriers” for me to trust Him fully. Although the revelation feels “weighty”, the road to restoration can now begin because my prayers and reading are more specific and targeted for healing and transformation by His power to take place.
2. Get in the Word Daily
You can’t trust someone you don’t know. The more you read the Bible, the more you understand who God is—faithful, loving, present, powerful. That’s why meditating on Scripture replaces fear-based thinking with faith-based truth. And over time, you begin to rebuild any faulty belief systems that you might have started with.
Verse to reflect on:
Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
3. Remember What God Has Already Done
Reflect on His past faithfulness in your life. Journal answered prayers. Celebrate the times God came through—even if it looked different than you expected. This has been the very thing that I’ve had to hold onto while I wait on Him to show up in this new season.
This rewires your thinking to expect His goodness again.
4. Let Go of the Need to Understand Everything
Trusting God doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means believing He does. When we cling to control, we actually create more anxiety. Trust involves surrender—laying down our questions and choosing peace. I know, I know—-this is super hard to do, especially when you’re in constant “survival mode”, but letting go and letting God [as they say] truly removes extra anxiety about things you cannot change in the moment.
Try this short prayer:
“God, I don’t understand right now—but I trust that You are good and that You’re working, even when I don’t see it.”
5. Obey Without Full Clarity
Again, this one’s hard: sometimes God asks us to take a step before we see the full picture. Think of Abraham—called to go without knowing where. He literally had to leave behind everything and everyone that he knew to follow God and a promise that he didn’t have full revelation for yet. Or Peter—stepping onto water before Jesus calmed the storm. Granted, while he did begin to sink [because he took his eyes off Jesus and on the storm]—-he still did something that no other disciple did.
Obedience is proof of trust. Faith walks even when the path feels uncertain.
6. Stay Faithful in the Hidden Seasons (When You Feel Forgotten)
There are seasons where God feels silent, doors don’t open, and it feels like everyone else is moving forward but you. These “hidden seasons” can feel like punishment, but they are often preparation.
Just because you’re not seen by others doesn’t mean you’re not seen by God.
Psalm 139:15-16 reminds us:
“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place…”
God does some of His deepest work in hiddenness. Trusting Him in those quiet seasons is a sacred act of faith.
Here’s how to stay faithful when you feel forgotten:
- Keep showing up in prayer—even when it feels dry.
- Remind yourself that God hides things He values (see: Moses, David, even Jesus).
- Serve in small ways. Hiddenness doesn’t mean uselessness.
- Anchor in identity—not productivity.
Reflection: Could God be protecting or preparing you in this season rather than forgetting you?
7. Speak Truth Over Fear
What you say shapes what you believe. Speak God’s promises out loud. Declare Scripture. Create daily affirmations that remind your soul who’s in control.
Say this today:
“God, I trust You. Even when I don’t understand, I believe You’re working all things for my good.”
Final Thoughts: Trust Is a Journey, Not a One-Time Decision
You won’t always get it right. Some days, trust will feel strong. Other days, it will feel like a whisper. But the beauty is this: God is patient, and He meets you where you are. Just keep talking to Him in every phase of your feelings.
Every small act of faith builds a stronger foundation. So today, take the next step—whatever that looks like. He’s already holding you through it.
Where is God asking you to trust Him more deeply right now?
Write down one fear or area of uncertainty and ask God to help you surrender it today.
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