When You Don’t Think You Can Trust Anyone

Last updated on: May 30, 2018 at 10:10 pm by Dr. Laurel Shaler

When You Don’t Think You Can Trust Anyone 2018-05-30T22:10:22-04:00 Dr. Laurel Shaler

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Trust. I used to teach my therapy clients that this is on a spectrum. For example, every time I stop at a red light, I trust that the person in the car behind mine is going to stop as well. That kind of trust is different than the trust I place in my husband. On a daily basis, we all trust people to varying extents. A dear friend of mine has told me she trusts me with her life. This is figurative for us, but quite literal for many people including police officers, firefighters, and service members.

Despite the people that trust me extensively, and in whom I place my greatest confidence, no one has ever trusted me as much as my daughter. I would dare say that is true for most parents and children. From the time they are born, they count on someone meeting their needs without even thinking about it. As they grow, they become more intentional with their trust. For example, my daughter will hurl herself off of the couch or bend over backwards while in my arms expecting me to help her down and ensure she isn’t harmed. When she is in her crib, she will call for “mama.” When I respond,she cries…knowing that I will come get her. She trusts that I will keep her safe, physically and emotionally, even if she can’t put that into words.

The reality is we all need a safe place to land. But we don’t always have one…or so we might think. It’s true that we may not have a human being that we can count on unconditionally. Humans are flawed, and they will fail us. I’ll fail people. You’ll fail people too. But we do have One in whom we can place all of our trust. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. His name is Jesus. At this point, you might be thinking, “yeah, yeah, yeah…I know, I know. Jesus loves me. But I need someone in flesh and blood that I can trust.” I get it – and you’re not wrong. I certainly agree we all need people. But it is so important that we know – truly, deeply know – how much Jesus loves us and cares for us. How we can place total trust in Him regardless of what has happened or will happen in our lives.

Believers are children of God. As His daughters and sons, we can take risks and cry to Him knowing that He is always there. He will never allow us to fall or be alone in our fears or sorrows. In order to have an abiding relationship with Him, we need to accept Him for who He is. Our Father. Our Savior. Our Counselor. The Triune God. Our Lord is the only one we can trust without reservation forever and ever. While I may be perfect in my young daughter’s eyes right now, she’ll soon learn that I won’t always get it right. I want to always be that safety net for her, but because I’m human I can’t guarantee perfection. God can. Our trust in Him doesn’t need to waffle back and forth depending upon the circumstances. It’s time to put allyour trust in Jesus – and know without a shadow of a doubt you’re always safe with Him. (P.S. He can guide you into knowing who else you can trust, to what extent, and under what circumstances.)

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