Trust

“When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear.” (Psalm 56:3-4)

Trust is a decision. It is one of two responses to a dangerous situation that disturbs our equilibrium. The other response is fear.

Fear is our normal response to threat or danger. We describe fear as a primal emotion. It is simply how we are “wired.” This emotion, when it kicks in, trumps almost everything else. It tends to take over. Then once the adrenalin surge dissipates, the will gradually regains its control.

This does not mean we absolutely lose control. Fear may be the strongest influencer when it’s at its operating peak, but the human will still works. Decisions can still be made in the midst of fear. In fact, it is possible to deny fear its full impact, as in a combat situation when soldiers fight an enemy in spite of (or sometimes because of) their fear.

This is why trust is a decision, and it is a two-fold decision, first, to reject fear, and second, to choose trust. We can choose our response to danger or threat, but we have to will to do so.

God is trustworthy. When we are afraid, we can choose to trust in Him. Trust is a decision.

Lord, Help us to make the decision even now that when fear begins to encroach the peace we have in You, we will choose to trust in You. Amen.