Signs you are not trusting God

         Trusting God is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith. The Bible repeatedly calls believers to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). However, even devoted Christians sometimes struggle with trust—especially when life becomes uncertain or painful. Identifying the signs that indicate a lack of trust in God can help believers correct their course and deepen their walk with Him. Below are 10 biblical signs you are not trusting God, supported by scriptures and spiritual insights.

1. Constant Worry and Anxiety

    “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

        Worry is often the first red flag. When a believer is overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, it shows a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Anxiety feeds on uncertainty, but trust thrives on the assurance that God is in control—even when the path ahead isn't clear.

Biblical Example:

        Martha, in Luke 10:41, was “anxious and troubled about many things” instead of sitting at Jesus’ feet like Mary. Her worry indicated misplaced priorities and a lack of rest in Christ’s sufficiency.

2. Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands

    “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)

        One clear sign of mistrust is attempting to solve problems through your own wisdom and strength without seeking God’s guidance. Trust in God requires surrendering control and allowing Him to direct your path.

Biblical Example:

        Abraham and Sarah tried to "help" God's promise by having a child through Hagar (Genesis 16). The result was strife and complications because they acted in impatience and distrust.

3. Prayerlessness

    “You do not have because you do not ask God.” – James 4:2 (NIV)

        When a believer doesn’t pray or only prays as a last resort, it indicates they may not truly believe God hears or answers prayer. Trusting God means approaching Him consistently, believing He is both willing and able to help.

Biblical Example:

        King Asa, in 2 Chronicles 16:12, relied on physicians but did not seek the Lord. His lack of prayer was a sign of misplaced trust.

4. Complaining or Grumbling

    “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” – Philippians 2:14 (ESV)

        Complaining is a vocal expression of dissatisfaction with God's plan. It reveals a heart that doubts God’s goodness or provision.

Biblical Example:

        The Israelites grumbled constantly in the wilderness (Exodus 16). Their complaints showed a lack of faith in the God who had just miraculously delivered them from Egypt.

5. Disobedience to God’s Word

   “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” – Luke 6:46 (ESV)

        If you truly trust God, you will obey His commands even when it’s inconvenient or difficult. Willful disobedience reveals a heart that doesn’t believe God's way is best.

Biblical Example:

        King Saul lost his throne because he chose partial obedience over full surrender (1 Samuel 15). His actions showed a greater trust in his own judgment than in God's instructions.

6. Fear of the Future

    “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” – Matthew 6:34 (ESV)

        Fear about the future reveals a lack of confidence in God’s plans. When you're afraid of what’s ahead, it often means you’ve forgotten who holds the future.

Biblical Example:

        The ten spies in Numbers 13 gave a fearful report about the Promised Land. Their fear caused the entire nation to rebel, showing that they didn’t trust God’s promise.

7. Envy or Jealousy of Others

    “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!” – Psalm 37:1 (ESV)

        When you envy others, it often means you believe God is withholding something good from you. Trusting God involves believing that He knows what is best and gives according to His perfect timing and wisdom.

Biblical Example:

        Cain was jealous of Abel’s favor with God (Genesis 4), revealing his lack of trust in God's justice and his own place in God's plan.

8. Impatience in Trials

    “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” – Romans 8:25 (ESV)

        Impatience in suffering or delay reveals a struggle with trusting God's timing. True trust endures with hopeful expectation, knowing that God is never late.

Biblical Example:

        The people of Israel grew impatient waiting for Moses on Mount Sinai, which led to the creation of the golden calf (Exodus 32). Their impatience led to idolatry.

9. Compromising Your Values

    “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” – Mark 8:36 (ESV)

        When you compromise biblical values for success, acceptance, or pleasure, you are saying with your actions that God's way is not trustworthy. Trust in God leads to faithfulness, even when it costs something.

Biblical Example:

        Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29–34), demonstrating that he didn’t trust in the value of God’s promises.

10. Hopelessness or Depression Rooted in Unbelief

    “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God...” – Psalm 42:5 (ESV)

        While depression can have many causes, spiritual hopelessness rooted in unbelief reveals a deep struggle with trusting in God's goodness, presence, or purpose.

Biblical Example:

        Elijah, after a great victory, fled into the wilderness and wished to die (1 Kings 19:4). He lost sight of God's power and provision in his moment of fear and weariness.

        Trust in God isn’t just a feeling—it’s a daily decision to believe in His character, submit to His will, and rest in His promises. Recognizing these signs in your life isn’t about condemnation but correction. God is patient and loving, always ready to receive you when you come to Him with an honest heart.

        If you’ve seen yourself in some of these signs, take heart. Like Peter, who faltered when he walked on water but was caught by Jesus, your Savior is always there to lift you up. Trust in Him anew today.