Building Bridges of Trust

This week’s devotional comes from Sally Cowan, CO (Places), as she shares her thoughts about what our value TRUST means to her.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

I was recently sat on a train travelling to Cardiff for the YMCA National Housing Forum Meeting. It was cold and dark, the train was delayed, I might have missed my connection, and my daughter was off school today with a migraine, so I also had ‘mom-guilt’ being away from home overnight. It was at that moment I remembered that Linsey had asked me to write a devotion and I hadn’t done it yet. I really wasn’t in the best frame of mind! So, I did what I could to generate some inspiration. I cued an uplifting worship playlist and a song came on that always makes me smile, called ‘It’s a beautiful day.’  The lyrics go like this: 

‘Lord, I thank you for sunshine, I thank you for rain, I thank you for joy, I thank you for pain. It’s a beautiful day. Sometimes life is good, but then a trouble comes my way. But whatever happens Lord, I thank you for this day, and when I’m feeling troubled, I lift my hands and pray.’  

It always puts a smile on my face and reminds me to trust God. 

Trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship. It means believing in someone’s honesty, reliability, and care, and being willing to be vulnerable with them. Trust allows us to connect deeply, support each other, and grow together. Without it, relationships break down, communication falters, and fear takes the place of confidence and hope.

Trust is central in supported housing at YMCA. Young people often arrive having been let down by family, friends, or systems that were meant to protect them. When staff and volunteers consistently listen, follow through on promises, and create a safe environment, trust begins to grow. For example, a young person may start by simply answering “hello,” or even grunting an acknowledgement,  when they first arrive, but over time, as they see staff supporting them without judgement, they begin to share their fears, hopes, and dreams. This trust opens doors for guidance, learning, and personal growth. It allows them to believe in themselves again.

Jesus is the ultimate example of trustworthiness. He never broke a promise, never judged unfairly, and always loved faithfully. When I follow Him, I am reminded to be reliable, patient, and consistent, even when it’s difficult. Jesus gives me the strength to earn trust by being honest and caring, and the courage to trust others even when it feels risky. Through Him, relationships can be safe spaces where growth and healing happen. 

Today, consider where trust can be strengthened in your life. Can you be more reliable, more honest, or more patient with someone who is struggling? Or can you take a step to trust someone, even when it feels uncertain? 

Point to ponder: 

Trust is built slowly, one action at a time, but its impact lasts a lifetime. Ask God to help you be trustworthy and to give you courage to trust others — and watch how it transforms the lives around you.