Trusting God is easy when life goes according to my plans. But that’s not how life usually works. Can you relate?
I used to drive through snowstorms in Maine where I couldn’t see beyond my headlights. The road markings were covered, so I just had to hope I stayed in my lane. All I could do was keep moving through the small stretch of road in front of me and pray I wouldn’t run into a moose.
Life often feels that way, right? Maybe not the moose part, but definitely the anxiety of moving forward when you have no idea what’s coming next. I feel that when I’m waiting for news or worried about loved ones. How about you?
Often there are wise steps we can take while we wait, and praying for greater trust is one of them. Here’s a prayer for trust you can use right now:
God, I don’t know what’s going to happen, and I’m scared. I want to trust You, but I need Your help. Remind me that I’m never alone. Show me what to do today, and help me trust You with tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, amen.
What Does It Mean to Trust God?
Trusting God means relying on who He is when you can’t understand what He’s doing. It means believing He is still good and still with you when life takes a detour you didn’t want.
Proverbs 3 says:
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. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
I don’t think those verses are asking us to turn off our brains or pretend we don’t have questions. They’re reminding us that our view is limited. Life is less like driving across an open plain where you can see everything coming and more like following a winding Maine road through heavy snow. Even on good days, we can only see so far ahead.
You can trust God and still be scared out of your mind. You can trust Him and still ask why, repeatedly.
A Prayer for Trusting God With the Future
God, I wish I knew what was coming next. I keep running through every possibility as if enough worrying could prepare me for all of them. It can’t. You already know what’s ahead. Help me trust You with the parts of the road I can’t see. Give me wisdom for the decision in front of me and enough courage to take the next step. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer for Letting Go of Control
Heavenly Father, I’ve been trying to control this because letting go scares me. I’ve replayed conversations, planned for problems that haven’t happened, and worn myself out trying to guarantee the right outcome. I’m giving You what I can’t control: [name it]. Help me recognize what is mine to do, then trust You with everything that isn’t. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer for Trusting God When You’re Anxious
God, my mind keeps jumping to the worst possible outcome. You know what I’m afraid of, including the parts I haven’t said out loud. Please meet me here. Help my body slow down and interrupt the thoughts that keep racing ahead. Remind me of what is true in this moment. Give me Your peace and help me through today. Amen.
If anxiety is affecting your sleep, relationships, or ability to get through the day, prayer can be one part of your response. Talking with a counselor, pastor, or doctor can be a wise next step, too. You may also want to try this prayer for anxiety and depression.
A Prayer for Trusting God While You Wait
God, I’m tired of waiting. I’ve asked You for an answer, and I still don’t have one. I’m starting to wonder whether anything is happening at all. Keep this delay from making me bitter or convincing me that You’ve forgotten me. Help me see where You may already be at work. Show me how to live the life in front of me while I continue hoping for something to change. Amen.
How Can I Grow My Trust in God?
Here are some simple steps to grow your trust in God:
- Tell God exactly what you’re afraid of.
- Remember one time He helped you through something you couldn’t see your way out of.
- Ask someone you trust to pray with you.
- Then take the next step you already know to take, even if you still have questions.
Driving through a snowstorm, I didn’t need to see the entire road home. I needed enough visibility for the next stretch. I’m finding that trusting God often works the same way. I may not get the whole plan, but I can ask Him for enough light to take the next faithful step.
You don’t need perfect faith before you pray. A man in the Bible once said to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV).
That may be one of the most honest prayers in the Bible. Jesus took it seriously, and He’ll take your honest prayer seriously too.