How to Trust God (Especially When Life Doesn’t Make Sense)

Let’s be honest—trusting God sounds great until life throws you curveballs. A job falls through. A relationship falls apart. The diagnosis catches you off guard. And suddenly, trusting God doesn’t feel so simple.

But here’s the truth: even when life doesn’t make sense, God does. And He can be trusted—fully, completely, and always.

So what does that actually look like? Let’s break it down.

What Does It Really Mean to Trust God?

Trusting God isn’t pretending everything’s fine or ignoring what’s hard. It’s choosing to believe that God is good, even when life isn’t.

It’s saying, “I don’t know how this ends, but I know who You are.”

Here’s what that trust is built on:

→ God’s Character

He’s steady when everything else shakes. He doesn’t change His mind or break His promises.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” – Isaiah 26:3-4

→ God’s Promises

God doesn’t make empty promises. When He says He’ll provide, comfort, or lead—you can count on it.

“God is not human, that He should lie… Does He promise and not fulfill?” – Numbers 23:19

→ God’s Timing

Trust means believing God’s timing is better than ours—even when we wish He’d hurry up.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11

How to Trust God When Life Gets Hard

Life gets messy. Trusting God doesn’t mean ignoring that—it means leaning into Him even more. Here are a few ways to do that:

1. Remember His Faithfulness

When you can’t see what God is doing right now, look back at what He’s done before. He’s never left you hanging.

“Great is Your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

2. Be Honest in Prayer

You don’t need to have it all together when you pray. God can handle your doubts, your fears, your “Why, God?” moments.

“Present your requests to God… and the peace of God… will guard your heart.” – Philippians 4:6-7

3. Anchor Yourself in Scripture

God’s Word helps quiet the noise and steady your soul.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

4. Let Go of the Illusion of Control

Control feels comforting… until it doesn’t. God invites you to surrender the outcome and trust His higher ways.

“My thoughts are not your thoughts… my ways higher than your ways.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

5. Wait Well

Waiting doesn’t mean God is absent. He’s working behind the scenes—often in ways you can’t yet see.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart...” – Psalm 27:14

When You’re Afraid, Choose Trust

It’s easy to trust God when things are going great. But when anxiety kicks in? That’s where trust becomes real faith.

Here are a few verses that help when you’re in that space:

• Psalm 56:3-4 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You… What can mere mortals do to me?”

• Jeremiah 17:7-8 – “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord… they will be like a tree planted by the water.”

• Romans 8:28 – “God works all things for the good of those who love Him…”

• Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.”

• Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good… He cares for those who trust in Him.”

Why God’s Timing Might Just Be the Best Part

We want fast answers. God often works on a longer timeline—but His delays are never wasted.

→ His Timing Is Perfect

It might not feel fast, but it is right.

“Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come.” – Habakkuk 2:3

→ Waiting Grows You

Waiting seasons are often where God does His best work—in you.

“The testing of your faith produces perseverance...” – James 1:2-4

→ Trust Means Surrender

Letting go isn’t giving up. It’s giving over—to a God who’s never dropped the ball.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

Practical Ways to Build Your Trust Muscle

You don’t wake up one day suddenly full of unshakable trust. It’s something you build—one step at a time.

Here’s how:

• Start Small. Trust Him in everyday moments and watch how He shows up.

• Keep a Journal. Write down answered prayers and reminders of His goodness.

• Surround Yourself with People Who Trust God. Their faith will lift yours.

• Say It Out Loud. “God, I trust You”—even if your voice shakes.

Final Word

Trusting God doesn’t mean life will be easy. But it does mean you’ll never face it alone.

Whatever you’re walking through today, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. God sees you. He knows. He cares. And He’s already working on what you can’t yet see.

So take a deep breath. Let go of what you can’t control. And hold onto the One who never fails.

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” – Psalm 62:8