Trust and plaster
Trust in God is not just sticking to Him—it is being covered by His teaching, like plaster that protects and surrounds.
Trust and Plaster: Covered by His Teaching
Many people think of trust as a vague confidence in God, but the Hebrew language reveals something deeper. Trust is not simply holding onto God—it is being covered by His teaching, just as plaster covers a surface, sealing and protecting it.
Trust in Hebrew: A Covering of Teaching
The Hebrew word for trust—אבטח ('abatach')—contains a hidden picture:
- אב ('ab') – Father
- טח ('tach') – Plaster, covering
- ט ('tav') – Marriage/teaching of the Son of God and the bride
- ח ('chet') – Understanding
This means that trust is being covered by the Father's teaching, which is the marriage of Christ and His bride. It is not a blind faith, but a confidence that comes from being surrounded, protected, and shaped by His Word.
Plastered by His Teaching
Plaster does more than just stick—it covers, protects, and seals what is underneath. Likewise, trusting God is not simply clinging to Him but being covered by His Word.
- Plaster protects – Just as plaster shields a wall from weathering, God’s teaching covers and preserves those who trust in Him.
- Plaster shapes – A sculptor uses plaster to form an image; God’s teaching molds our hearts and minds.
- Plaster strengthens – Weak walls become durable when covered in plaster. Trusting in God’s teaching makes us unshakable.
Trust Is More Than Emotion—It’s a Covering of Knowledge
Some say trust is purely a feeling, but biblical trust comes from being covered by God’s truth. It is not a momentary experience but a life shaped by His teaching.
David understood this when he wrote:
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:7)
Trust is not just believing—it is being covered by His presence and instruction.
Controversial? Addressing Evangelical Views
- Does trust require doctrine?
- Some say doctrine is unnecessary for trust. But Hebrew shows that trust comes from being covered by His teaching. Without it, trust is exposed and weak.
- Is trust an emotional state?
- Many believe trust is about feeling close to God. But biblical trust is not based on feelings—it is the security of being surrounded by His Word.
- Does trust mean passivity?
- Some think trust means doing nothing and waiting. But trust is active—it is being covered by God’s teaching and shaped by it.
Conclusion: Covered by His Word
To trust God is to be covered by His teaching, shaped by His instruction, and protected by His truth.
Just as plaster surrounds, strengthens, and preserves, so does the Word of God. True trust is being enclosed in His teaching, allowing it to form and protect us.
