1. Trusting in God Proverbs 3:1-6

2. Introduction Words written by the wisest mortal who ever lived Words approved by God Advice that will produce favor with God and add length of days and peace to our lives- v.2 & v.4 Addressed to the young- “ My son” But appropriate and needful for those of all ages Particularly the exhortation to trust in Jehovah That is what I want to study with you this morning

3. What Is Trust? A word that is often used today Trust is an expression of genuine faith We trust people and things in which we believe It is confidence and reliance that others will do what they say or what we expect from them Trust is shown by our actions What we are willing to commit to those we trust

4. Things in which People Trust People trust in many different things But Solomon is referring to our greatest trust Which determines our decisions and directs our lives 1. Some trust in themselves - Prov. 28:26 & Lk. 18:9 2. Some trust in other people- II Ki. 18:21 & I Tim. 6:7 3. Others trust in wealth and possessions- Prov. 11:28 Solomon says we should put our trust in God

5. Trusting in God Involves confidence in His words Relying on His promises Submission to His will and His law Allowing Him to direct our path A complete trust – “with all your heart” (V5) A comprehensive trust- “in all your ways” (V6) Which causes us to commit our life and all we that have to His care- II Tim. 1:12

6. When It is Easy to Trust in the LORD 1. During good times and favorable circumstances 2. Concerning things that we like to hear That God loves us and cares for us personally That we are part of His family- Eph. 2:19 3. Concerning things that bring us gain or comfort That God will forgive our sins And will give us an eternal inheritance- I Pet.1:4 We can easily trust God’s word in these matters

7. When It Is More Difficult to Trust In the LORD-1 1. When His way is not the popular way It usually isn’t the way of the majority- Mt. 7:14 2. When it is contrary to what I want to do 3. When it requires sacrifice on our part- Matt. 10:37-38 4.In times of financial loss, serious illness or loss of a loved one 5.When it may bring ridicule, exclusion or punishment- Jn. 12:42 & I Pet. 4:16

8. When It Is More Difficult to Trust In the LORD-2 Being Jesus’ disciple is not always easy These more difficult situations are the times that try our faith- I Pet. 1:7 They show whether we walk by faith or just talk the faith Job’s lost his wealth, family, and his health He couldn’t understand why he was suffering But he still trusted in God- Job 13:15

9. Reasons for Trusting in God-1 1. He is omniscient Knows us better than we know ourselves Knows what we really need Knows what is best for us in all situations Knows what will bring genuine happiness Knows what will strengthen our faith Knows what will prepare us for Heaven

10. Reasons for Trusting in God-2 2. God is omnipotent There is nothing too difficult for Him He able to do anything and everything we need No matter what our situation may be Supplied Elijah and the widow- I Ki.17:13-15 He is still able to provide for his children today- Phil. 4:19

11. Reasons for Trusting in God-3 3. His great love for us His love is eternal He planned for our salvation- I Pet.1:20 Gave His only Son to accomplish it- Jn. 3:16 His love is unselfish and constant He will not withhold any good thing from us- Rom. 8:32 All that He does is for our eternal good

12. Reasons for Trusting in God-4 4. God is faithful People whom we trust sometimes prove unfaithful- II Tim. 4:10 God is completely dependable- I Thess. 5:24 Has kept every promise He has ever made And will do so in the future He will never disappoint those who trust in Him Nor will He ever forsake them- Heb 13:5

13. In Conclusion It is a great comfort and encouragement to trust in One so mighty and so loving Who will never fail nor forsake us But will provide comfort and help at all times He will lead us in the way that is best for us now and will provide eternal life in the future Have you put your trust in Christ? If not, won’t you do so now?