An Incomplete Trust
Scripture reassures us, 'No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it.' Romans 10:11 (MSG)
Trust. It’s a word we often hear in church, in relationships, and even in motivational talks. But Romans 10:11 introduces us to a deeper kind of trust — a trust that involves both our heart and our soul. This is what I like to call Complete Trust.
But why does God ask for both? Isn’t it enough to trust Him with just our feelings or simply believe in Him intellectually? The truth is, without both heart and soul, our trust remains incomplete. When we choose to trust God with our whole being, we open ourselves up to a life of true peace, purpose, and confidence.
Let’s explore why this kind of trust is worth it.
Trusting God with Your Heart
The heart represents your emotions, desires, and affections. It’s the part of you that feels deeply — joy, sorrow, fear, hope. Trusting God with your heart means inviting Him into these emotional spaces, believing that He cares about what you feel and desires to walk with you through it all.
It’s honest. God doesn’t want us to hide our feelings. He welcomes our tears, laughter, frustration, and joy. "Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." — Psalm 62:8 (NIV)
It’s relational. Trusting with your heart fosters a closer relationship with God. It’s like confiding in a friend who deeply understands and loves you.
It’s healing. When we entrust our emotions to God, He brings comfort and renewal. He doesn’t dismiss our pain but meets us in it.
Yet, if we trust God only with our heart and not our soul, we may become emotionally driven in our faith. When we feel good, we trust easily. But when challenges come, trust wavers. That’s where the soul comes in.
Trusting God with Your Soul
The soul is your core identity — your eternal self. It’s the part of you that longs for meaning and purpose. Trusting God with your soul means surrendering control, believing that your life is in His hands, and resting in His promises.
It’s secure. Unlike emotions, which ebb and flow, soul-level trust anchors you in God’s truth. "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him." — Psalm 62:1 (NIV)
It’s purposeful. Trusting God with your soul means believing that He has a plan, even when you can’t see it. You trust that He is working all things for your good (Romans 8:28).
It’s eternal. While our heart may focus on the present, our soul trusts God with the big picture — our destiny, purpose, and eternal future.
But if we trust God only with our soul and not our heart, we risk becoming emotionally disconnected. We may follow God out of duty, but our relationship with Him will lack intimacy and joy.
Why both are needed for Complete Trust
Trusting God with both heart and soul creates a balanced, resilient faith.
Heart-level trust keeps your relationship with God personal and vibrant.
Soul-level trust gives you endurance and confidence when circumstances are hard.
Together, they form a foundation of Complete Trust — one that weathers storms, celebrates victories, and remains steady through uncertainty.
What Does Complete Trust Look Like in Real Life?
When you face uncertainty: Your heart may feel anxious, but your soul remains anchored in God’s promises. You pray through your fears while declaring His faithfulness.
When you experience joy: You celebrate with a grateful heart, acknowledging that every good gift is from God. Your soul finds satisfaction not in circumstances, but in Him.
When you experience loss: Your heart grieves, but your soul clings to the hope of eternity. You trust that God is still present, even in the pain.
Complete trust doesn’t mean ignoring your feelings. It means bringing them to God — and choosing to trust His plans even when you don’t understand them.
How to Cultivate Complete Trust
Pray honestly: Let God into your emotions. Tell Him your fears, hopes, and doubts.
Surrender daily: Acknowledge that He is in control of your life, and choose to follow Him.
Recall His faithfulness: Write down answered prayers and moments of God’s provision. Remembering what He’s done will strengthen your trust.
Stay in His word: Scripture reveals God’s character and reminds your soul of His unchanging truth.
Surround yourself with community: Lean on others who will encourage you to trust God, especially in challenging times.
A Final Thought
Complete trust isn’t about understanding everything God is doing. It’s about believing He is good, even when life feels uncertain. It’s about opening your heart to Him and surrendering your soul to His plans.
Make It Personal
Trusting God with both your heart and soul is a personal journey. To reflect on where you are in that process, consider these four questions:
1. Which is harder for me - trusting with my heart or my soul?
2. Am I honest with God about how I feel?
3. Do I believe God’s plans are good even when I don’t understand them?
4. What’s one step I can take toward complete trust today?
Take a moment to reflect on these questions. Be honest with yourself and with God. Trusting Him with both your heart and soul is a journey worth taking — one that leads to peace, purpose, and the assurance that you will never regret it.
