We all have various forms of trust issues because we’ve spent our lives interacting with other humans, and humans are prone to making hurtful, selfish choices. I want you to know that whether you were hurt years ago, or you are walking through a confusing and hurtful situation right now, I’ve dealt with broken trust in the past, and just when I think I’ve made progress in moving forward, a word or memory can trigger the pain, and the wounds feel raw. But I also know that healing is possible with God’s help. Ultimately, my hope for you is that you’ll regain the confidence that God is completely trustworthy.
Journaling Activity
Take a look at the three arenas of trust below. As you think about these arenas, in which one have you experienced trust issues more than the others? Take a few minutes to journal and summarize what you are thinking and feeling about trust in this area.
Physical
In addition to physical harm, a lack of physical safety can include when someone is dismissive over your concerns or there’s a lack of protection.
Emotional
This can include threatening, yelling, or intentionally making someone feel afraid or belittled. It can also include harmful disclosures of confidential information, disloyalty, infidelity, and dishonesty.
Spiritual
When scripture is used as a weapon or a manipulation tactic to gain control, keep power over someone, or disregard the other person’s personal dignity an value as a son or daughter of God.
Additional Resources
After thousands of hours of counseling intensives and theological research, Lysa TerKeurst has discovered how crucial it is to develop the stability you long for within yourself and with God, so you don’t become cynical and carry a broken belief system into every new relationship. Building upon and further unpacking the scriptural concepts in her book I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t, this six-session Bible study (video access included) will equip you to:
- Identify which of the 11 relational red flags are stirring up distrust, so you’re able to better pinpoint why you’re feeling uneasy.
- Recognize when it’s possible to repair a fractured relationship and how to do it with a five-step framework you can start using today.
- Understand what the Bible says about trusting God and others so you’re equipped to make decisions that are in line with Scripture.
- Learn how to know the difference between a feeling you’re having and true discernment from the Holy Spirit so you can move on from the past with more wisdom and assurance.
Watch Session 1 of “I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t”
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