The Trustworthiness of God: Fearing, Trusting, and Finding Rest

When we read through Scripture, we often come across verses that call us to both fear and trust in the Lord. One such verse is found in Psalm 115:11: “You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD.” On the surface, this may seem like two separate actions, but a closer look reveals that fearing God and trusting Him are intertwined. You can’t truly fear God without trusting Him, and vice versa. So what does this mean for us today? Let's explore this powerful relationship between fear, trust, and how it leads to spiritual rest.

What Does It Mean to Fear the LORD?

First, let's address the question: What does it mean to fear the LORD?

Fearing God is not about being terrified of Him; it’s about recognizing His majesty, His sovereignty, and His holiness. To fear God is to stand in awe of who He is, understanding that He is far greater than anything we could ever imagine. It’s a reverence that shapes the way we live, respond, and trust in Him. When we truly fear the LORD, we acknowledge His power and His goodness, which naturally leads to trusting Him in every area of our lives.

The Lord’s Constant Mindfulness of Us

The psalmist writes, “The LORD has been mindful of us.” Isn't this a beautiful reminder? God is always aware of us—our thoughts, our feelings, our actions, and even our struggles. Despite the complexities of the world, He is never distant from us. He is always present, and He lacks nothing. His attention is fully on us, not because we are worthy, but because He is gracious, merciful, and loving.

Trusting God Brings Blessings

In Psalm 115:13, we read, “He will bless those who fear the LORD.” God promises blessings to those who fear Him—not because of anything we’ve done, but because of His nature. He is generous in His love and grace, and when we live with a reverent fear of Him, we position ourselves to receive His blessings.

So, what does it look like to live in the fear of the LORD? It’s not a fear of punishment, but a deep respect and trust that God knows what’s best for us. It’s a trust that He will provide, guide, and care for us, even when things are difficult. This trust leads to blessings—not necessarily in material things, but in peace, guidance, and the assurance that He is with us in all things.

Crying Out in Trust

The psalmist also expresses a heartfelt cry: “I will call upon Him, as long as I live.” This reflects a constant seeking after God, not out of obligation, but out of trust. When we cry out to God, we acknowledge our dependence on Him, and this kind of emotional vulnerability reveals a deep relationship. Think about it: do you cry out to those you don’t trust? Probably not. Crying out is a sign that we trust God to respond, to act, and to help us in our time of need.

The psalmist goes on to describe God as “gracious, righteous, and merciful.” These attributes remind us of why we can trust Him. When we face challenges, we don’t come to God because we think we can save ourselves; we come because we know He is the only one who can truly help. We trust in His character, knowing that He is good and will always act in accordance with His nature.

Humbling Ourselves and Acknowledging Our Sin

Now, let’s consider what it means to humble ourselves before God. Humbling ourselves is not just about recognizing our dependence on Him, but also about acknowledging our wrongdoings—our sins. We all fall short of God’s standards, and when we humble ourselves, we admit that we cannot save ourselves from our own failures. It’s in this place of humility that we are called to confess our sins, to turn from them, and to recognize that God’s holiness requires that sin be dealt with.

God hates sin. It separates us from Him, and it distorts the good plans He has for our lives. But here’s the good news: while God hates sin, He loves sinners. His justice demands that sin be punished, but His mercy offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Humbling ourselves before God means coming to Him with a contrite heart, recognizing that we’ve sinned and that we need His forgiveness. It’s in this moment of confession that we can experience His mercy and grace.

Living in Holiness: A Call to Avoid Sin

As we humble ourselves before God, it’s also essential to live in holiness and avoid sin. Sin is not something to take lightly—it’s an offense to God and disrupts our relationship with Him. We are called to live in a way that reflects the holiness of God, turning away from the desires of the flesh that lead us into sin.

When we do fall short and sin, we are to come quickly to God in repentance. Repentance is not just a one-time event—it’s a continual turning away from sin and a returning to God. But there’s a danger when we live without a sound mind, allowing sin to persist in our lives without true remorse. If we continue to make the same transgressions without genuine repentance, our repentance becomes insincere. True repentance comes from a heart that is grieved by sin and desires to change, to grow, and to align more with God’s will.

We are not meant to stay in the same place spiritually—we are called to grow. Our aim should be to become more like Jesus, living according to His Word and not according to the desires of our flesh. This means saying “no” to sin and choosing to live in a way that honors God, striving for holiness in every area of our lives.

God Preserves the Simple

In Psalm 116:6, the psalmist declares, “The LORD preserves the simple.” There’s something profound about this verse. When we’re brought low—whether emotionally, spiritually, or physically—our tendency might be to fight, to try to lift ourselves up, or to make a case for why we deserve God’s help. But this verse reminds us that it is in our simplicity and humility that God works. It’s when we humble ourselves before Him, acknowledging that we cannot save ourselves, that He steps in and saves us.

Humbling ourselves isn’t about denying our worth; rather, it’s about recognizing that we are utterly dependent on God. In this humility, we experience His preservation, His saving grace, and His rest. We don't have to argue or prove anything to God; we simply trust Him to act on our behalf.

Rest in God’s Provision

When we trust in God’s righteousness, grace, and mercy, we find rest. The psalmist says, “I was brought low, and He saved me.” There’s no need for self-exaltation or self-justification. When we surrender to God, trusting in His goodness, He brings peace and provision in ways we can’t always predict. God’s grace is sufficient, and in that grace, we find rest for our souls.

As we reflect on these truths, let us be reminded that trusting God isn't about our ability to prove ourselves worthy. It’s about recognizing His greatness, His love, and His ability to save. When we humble ourselves before Him, trusting in His mercy, we experience His preservation, His peace, and His provision.

Photo by Ton Souza

Let’s not shape God based on our own thoughts or preferences. When we do, we risk creating a version of God that isn't true. Instead, may we seek the God revealed in His Word—holy, just, and merciful—and allow Him to gently guide our hearts and understanding.

All glory to God!