Tonight I am sitting on my couch wondering to myself what the difference is between trusting vs. believing. The dictionary will tell me that the two definitions are very similar, but my instincts tell me differently. Belief is when you accept something as true, which can sound a lot like faith. Trust is when you [believe enough] in whatever it may be that you are freewillingly handing over anything of your possession to this object or being of your trust. Belief is something that can be present in a person, but is never actually experienced by that person or others in their lifetime. Believing may seem like a verb, but to me it can actually happen in a more passive state.
For example, I can believe that I possess a diving board in my backyard without actually using it. I can look at it all I want, and never use it. The question that I would pose next is what is the point of me having a diving board if I do not use it? It would be pointless to not use what I have. Yet, I do not use things I have a lot more than I would like to admit due to lack of trust. Lack of trust is the absence of belief, which is fear. On a better note, if I was willing to place enough belief in my diving board that I began to trust in what the manual tells me it can do I would be more likely to actually start standing on the diving board than before.
As time went on and my experiences of standing on my diving board led me to trust more, I might actually begin to slowly bounce up and down on it. When I saw that it did not stop working or holding me up as I bounced up and down on it I might just progressively jump higher on it. If jumping higher did not change the structure and qualities of my diving board I might actually take a leap off of it, so I could get the most out of it. By leaping off of the diving board, I would be fulfilling the role I am supposed to have with this diving board. As I witnessed over and over how this diving board was worthy of my trust, I might become motivated to share with others how this diving board is worthy of others' trust. Eventually, I would expect that it would only make sense to invite others to join me!
My point in this diving board analogy is to express that when someone places their trust in something else that person eventually begins to fall in love with it. And feels selfish if he or she does not share their change of perspective with others. My "diving board" example is my belief and now trust in my relationship with God as I have given Him more of me. It has been scary just like it is when you jump from new heights, but it has always been worth it.
His foundation and qualities have held me up, and helped me to leap when, how, and where I did not think it was possible. The manual He has given me, the bible, has provided the support I need when my doubts seem too real. And even when I am full of fear, He has others come cheer me on to not stop. I love and appreciate how He does not forget that I am only dust (psalm 103), and He tells me that life will have troubles (John 16). The good news is His son has overcame life and death, and now through belief and trust, His spirit is helping me live life more fully and purposely.
You can have this relationship with Him too, but I encourage you to trust rather than just believe. Life is a lot more beautiful when we are not in control or the center of it. The one who intentionally designed you can make your life a lot better than you could since He knows you so intimately. Let Him, help you.
For example, I can believe that I possess a diving board in my backyard without actually using it. I can look at it all I want, and never use it. The question that I would pose next is what is the point of me having a diving board if I do not use it? It would be pointless to not use what I have. Yet, I do not use things I have a lot more than I would like to admit due to lack of trust. Lack of trust is the absence of belief, which is fear. On a better note, if I was willing to place enough belief in my diving board that I began to trust in what the manual tells me it can do I would be more likely to actually start standing on the diving board than before.
As time went on and my experiences of standing on my diving board led me to trust more, I might actually begin to slowly bounce up and down on it. When I saw that it did not stop working or holding me up as I bounced up and down on it I might just progressively jump higher on it. If jumping higher did not change the structure and qualities of my diving board I might actually take a leap off of it, so I could get the most out of it. By leaping off of the diving board, I would be fulfilling the role I am supposed to have with this diving board. As I witnessed over and over how this diving board was worthy of my trust, I might become motivated to share with others how this diving board is worthy of others' trust. Eventually, I would expect that it would only make sense to invite others to join me!
My point in this diving board analogy is to express that when someone places their trust in something else that person eventually begins to fall in love with it. And feels selfish if he or she does not share their change of perspective with others. My "diving board" example is my belief and now trust in my relationship with God as I have given Him more of me. It has been scary just like it is when you jump from new heights, but it has always been worth it.
His foundation and qualities have held me up, and helped me to leap when, how, and where I did not think it was possible. The manual He has given me, the bible, has provided the support I need when my doubts seem too real. And even when I am full of fear, He has others come cheer me on to not stop. I love and appreciate how He does not forget that I am only dust (psalm 103), and He tells me that life will have troubles (John 16). The good news is His son has overcame life and death, and now through belief and trust, His spirit is helping me live life more fully and purposely.
You can have this relationship with Him too, but I encourage you to trust rather than just believe. Life is a lot more beautiful when we are not in control or the center of it. The one who intentionally designed you can make your life a lot better than you could since He knows you so intimately. Let Him, help you.