Trials That Build Trust

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Do trials build your trust in God—or erode it? For Saul, hardship led to fear and compromise. He sought human solutions, even consulting a medium instead of God. But David, in every circumstance, sought the Lord. He waited for God’s solution, and his trust grew deeper through each trial.

Imagine David hearing of Saul’s death. He had just returned from Ziklag, where he and his men recovered their families after devastation. He must have been emotionally spent. Back in chapter 27, David had said, “Someday Saul is going to get me.” He had been hiding in a foreign land, deceiving a king, and living in survival mode. He wasn’t in a great place.

Now the crisis was over. Saul was gone. Relief must have come—but David didn’t gloat. He honored Saul and Jonathan in 2 Samuel 1. He had learned that vengeance belongs to God. God dealt with Nabal. God dealt with Saul. As 1 Chronicles 10:13 says, “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord…” but David remained faithful while he waited on God to deal with his enemy.

Title: Trials That Build Trust

Reading: 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Psalm 20–21

Key Verse: Psalm 20:7 — “Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.”

Scripture Insight:

Psalm 20 reflects David’s heart:

  • “May the Lord answer your cry… send help… strengthen you…” (vv.1–4)
  • “May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory…” (v.5)
  • “Now I know the Lord rescues his anointed king…” (v.6)
  • “We boast in the name of the Lord our God…” (vv.7–9)

David learned by experience to trust in God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. Trials didn’t erode his trust—they built it.

Application:

  • Let trials deepen your dependence on God.
  • Resist shortcuts and human solutions.
  • Boast in God’s name, not your own strength.
  • Trust that God’s timing is perfect—even in hardship.

Prayer:

Lord, when trials come, help me lean into You. Build my trust, shape my character, and let me rise up and stand firm in Your name.

Reflection Questions:

  • Are your current trials building or eroding your trust in God?
  • Where are you tempted to seek human solutions instead of waiting on God?
  • What would it look like to boast in God’s name today?
  • How has God strengthened you through past struggles?

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