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I Want to Trust You, But I Don't: : Moving Forward When You’re Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment
New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst shows you what to do with your skepticism and distrust so you can heal from past betrayals and move forward with strength and resilience.
Trust is the oxygen of all human relationships. But it's also what trips you up after you've been burned. Maybe a friend constantly lets you down. A leader or organization you respect turns out to be different than they portray themselves to be. A spouse cheats on you. A family member betrays you. You're exhausted by other people's choices and starting to question your own discernment. And you're wondering, If God let this happen, can he even be trusted?
How can you live well and step into the future when you keep stumbling over trust issues? Lysa TerKeurst says it's not simply about finding better people to walk with. It's about developing the stability you long for within yourself and with God, so you don't become cynical and carry a broken belief system into every new relationship. In I Want to Trust You, But I Don't, Lysa shows you how to
identify which of the eleven relational red flags are stirring up distrust, so you can pinpoint why you're feeling uneasy;stop having more faith in your fears coming true than God coming through for you by asking crucial "what if" questions to better process your doubts;recognize when a fractured relationship can be repaired by considering a reasonable list of characteristics necessary for rebuilding trust; andunderstand the physical, emotional, and neurological impact of the betrayals you've experienced and start healing from the inside out.
In a world where so many things feel alarming, this book will give you a peace that isn't dependent on unpredictable people, circumstances, and experiences. Instead, it offers practical and biblical ways to make real progress toward healthier perspectives, relationships, and a future you can authentically look forward to.
Trust is the oxygen of all human relationships. But it's also what trips you up after you've been burned. Maybe a friend constantly lets you down. A leader or organization you respect turns out to be different than they portray themselves to be. A spouse cheats on you. A family member betrays you. You're exhausted by other people's choices and starting to question your own discernment. And you're wondering, If God let this happen, can he even be trusted?
How can you live well and step into the future when you keep stumbling over trust issues? Lysa TerKeurst says it's not simply about finding better people to walk with. It's about developing the stability you long for within yourself and with God, so you don't become cynical and carry a broken belief system into every new relationship. In I Want to Trust You, But I Don't, Lysa shows you how to
identify which of the eleven relational red flags are stirring up distrust, so you can pinpoint why you're feeling uneasy;stop having more faith in your fears coming true than God coming through for you by asking crucial "what if" questions to better process your doubts;recognize when a fractured relationship can be repaired by considering a reasonable list of characteristics necessary for rebuilding trust; andunderstand the physical, emotional, and neurological impact of the betrayals you've experienced and start healing from the inside out.
In a world where so many things feel alarming, this book will give you a peace that isn't dependent on unpredictable people, circumstances, and experiences. Instead, it offers practical and biblical ways to make real progress toward healthier perspectives, relationships, and a future you can authentically look forward to.
Audible Audio
Published October 8, 2024
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About the author
Lysa TerKeurst
143 books32k followersLysa TerKeurst is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the New York Times best-selling author of Univited, The Best Yes, Unglued, Made to Crave, and 18 other books. Her newest book, It’s Not Supposed to be This Way, is scheduled for release in November of 2018. Lysa was recently awarded the Champions of Faith Author Award and has been published in multiple publications such as CNN and Fox News online. Additionally, she has appeared on the Today Show as one of the leading voices in the Christian community.
Each year, Lysa is a featured keynote presenter at more than 40 events across North America, including the Women of Joy Conferences and the Catalyst Leadership Conference. She has a passion for equipping women to share their stories for God's glory through Proverbs 31 Ministries' annual She Speaks Conference and writer training program, COMPEL: Words That Move People.
Connect with Lysa on social media @lysaterkeurst or at http://lysaterkeurst.com/.
Each year, Lysa is a featured keynote presenter at more than 40 events across North America, including the Women of Joy Conferences and the Catalyst Leadership Conference. She has a passion for equipping women to share their stories for God's glory through Proverbs 31 Ministries' annual She Speaks Conference and writer training program, COMPEL: Words That Move People.
Connect with Lysa on social media @lysaterkeurst or at http://lysaterkeurst.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 480 reviews
November 6, 2024
This is yet another book that I didn’t know I needed (wait, yes I did), by Lysa TerKeurst. This woman gets it. She doesn’t deny or sugarcoat her pain and struggles, which makes her stories and books so relatable. I often feel that I am alone in my struggles, feelings, and thoughts and then along comes a book like this to let me know there are others feeling just like me. Also, after each chapter in this book there was a reflection and prayer given- which was so nice because it really made you sit and think about what you just read.
Of course this book is about trusting again, and using our own discernment and wisdom. Each chapter goes into great detail about regaining trust in others and what we should be watching for to keep ourselves safe. I loved every chapter in this book, but Chapter Three on identifying red flags 🚩 really hit home, and I feel that Chapter Seven, “How Can I Trust God When the Person Who Hurt Me Got Away With It?” was written especially for me. I loved every word written in that chapter, and in this book.
I was lucky enough to receive a digital copy of this book through NetGalley, but this is one book that I do need a physical copy of because I needed to highlight many sentences and quotes. This is also a book that I would like to pick up from time to time just to reflect on when I am going through a difficult time, or might be getting triggered by a situation.
I would also like to add that there was a Bonus chapter included in this book, and it was definitely a bonus! Lysa TerKeurst gave us some personal news of her own, and some more spiritual prayers and reflections were included. I really enjoyed this chapter as well!
I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you are already a fan of TerKeurst. I think this may be her best book to date.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Nelson Books, and the author for a digital copy of this book which I had the pleasure to read. This book was published on October 8th, 2024- and is available now!
Genre~ self-help, nonfiction (adult), Christian
Of course this book is about trusting again, and using our own discernment and wisdom. Each chapter goes into great detail about regaining trust in others and what we should be watching for to keep ourselves safe. I loved every chapter in this book, but Chapter Three on identifying red flags 🚩 really hit home, and I feel that Chapter Seven, “How Can I Trust God When the Person Who Hurt Me Got Away With It?” was written especially for me. I loved every word written in that chapter, and in this book.
I was lucky enough to receive a digital copy of this book through NetGalley, but this is one book that I do need a physical copy of because I needed to highlight many sentences and quotes. This is also a book that I would like to pick up from time to time just to reflect on when I am going through a difficult time, or might be getting triggered by a situation.
I would also like to add that there was a Bonus chapter included in this book, and it was definitely a bonus! Lysa TerKeurst gave us some personal news of her own, and some more spiritual prayers and reflections were included. I really enjoyed this chapter as well!
I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you are already a fan of TerKeurst. I think this may be her best book to date.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Nelson Books, and the author for a digital copy of this book which I had the pleasure to read. This book was published on October 8th, 2024- and is available now!
Genre~ self-help, nonfiction (adult), Christian
July 4, 2024
Lysa’s new book “I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t” is a book written for people who have navigated the shipwrecked waters of hurt and broken trust and are ready to move forward in rebellious resiliency. This book is gentle and compassionate while also unflinchingly honest and deeply vulnerable. Broken trust hurts deeply and unfortunately- as Lysa points out, trust cannot be healed in isolation.
I hardly have words for how fervently I will recommend this book to all who know me. It was not what I expected and also, It’s exactly what I needed. Here is a brief overview:
Lysa opens the book with a discussion on the all too familiar feeling of giving up on ever trusting again. She then moves into something so deeply human: is my mistrust evidence of my discernment or am I just triggered and how do I tell the difference? This chapter was so validating, but chapter three might compete for most helpful- she gives a working vocabulary for identifying red flags and what to do with them when you spot them. I greatly appreciated the nuance and compassion Lysa brought to this chapter. The next chapter is all about repairing rips and tears in our trust. Lysa does not promise a quick or painless recovery; instead, she stands with the broken in quiet solidarity and shines light on the next right thing— which, incidentally is the topic of discussion in the following chapter. Her next two chapters are hard edged and raw as she pulls back the curtains in her own mind and directly confronts the impossible questions suffering uncovered about God. These aren’t questions any human alive can possibly be immune to asking in moments of sorrow, but her act of bravely speaking them aloud robs them of the power they have to cripple us. Chapter 8 is a mirror - what we can’t trust, we try to control and a moving discussion on how and why that’s not always a good thing for you OR cultivating healthy thriving relationships. The last two chapters and conclusion are possibly my absolute favorite. As you walk in healing and learning to trust again, you find glimmers and sparks of hope. We learn to dance again. These chapters were such a delightful way to close up the book and to see that nothing is ever wasted.
One of the best books and so timely. Lysa’s words and wisdom rise up against the hard edges of her story and rebelliously dares to trust again. I’m so thankful she’s chosen to share what’s she’s learned with the world. Surrounded by grievous wounds and endless stories of hurt in the world, this book was surely written for such a time as this.
I’d like to thank Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I hardly have words for how fervently I will recommend this book to all who know me. It was not what I expected and also, It’s exactly what I needed. Here is a brief overview:
Lysa opens the book with a discussion on the all too familiar feeling of giving up on ever trusting again. She then moves into something so deeply human: is my mistrust evidence of my discernment or am I just triggered and how do I tell the difference? This chapter was so validating, but chapter three might compete for most helpful- she gives a working vocabulary for identifying red flags and what to do with them when you spot them. I greatly appreciated the nuance and compassion Lysa brought to this chapter. The next chapter is all about repairing rips and tears in our trust. Lysa does not promise a quick or painless recovery; instead, she stands with the broken in quiet solidarity and shines light on the next right thing— which, incidentally is the topic of discussion in the following chapter. Her next two chapters are hard edged and raw as she pulls back the curtains in her own mind and directly confronts the impossible questions suffering uncovered about God. These aren’t questions any human alive can possibly be immune to asking in moments of sorrow, but her act of bravely speaking them aloud robs them of the power they have to cripple us. Chapter 8 is a mirror - what we can’t trust, we try to control and a moving discussion on how and why that’s not always a good thing for you OR cultivating healthy thriving relationships. The last two chapters and conclusion are possibly my absolute favorite. As you walk in healing and learning to trust again, you find glimmers and sparks of hope. We learn to dance again. These chapters were such a delightful way to close up the book and to see that nothing is ever wasted.
One of the best books and so timely. Lysa’s words and wisdom rise up against the hard edges of her story and rebelliously dares to trust again. I’m so thankful she’s chosen to share what’s she’s learned with the world. Surrounded by grievous wounds and endless stories of hurt in the world, this book was surely written for such a time as this.
I’d like to thank Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 8, 2024
One thing I know from reading Lysa Terkeurst is that she has walked through or is walking through what she is teaching. Lysa teaches from the Bible and while I’m not there yet with my trust issues, I’m learning and using the information Lysa uses in this book to grow. Have Kleenex handy as you dig deep into God’s Word and learn how to overcome trust issues one step at a time. I recommend this book to everyone because we all have trust issues on some level.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from Nelson Books and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from Nelson Books and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
April 1, 2025
So, being a woman Christian counselor, I have been hearing my clients talk extensively about this book (and others) by Terkeurst, and I felt it only fair that I read her myself before commenting…here goes:
1. I get why women are drawn to her, especially when they have had trust damaged within their marriage, whether by an affair, addiction, etc., and Terkeurst is very relatable and compassionate. There are absolutely legitimate reasons why someone loses trust in another, and this cannot be minimized. Terkeurst very clearly and effectively validates your experience with mistrust.
2. Distrust, though, is not the same thing as abuse, and I caution those who equate the two since those who have suffered true physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse (and she gives a very good definition in her book) will tell you that they are NOT the same.
3. As much as she will nudge people to the fact that broken trust must be wholly repaired in order for a person to stay in a relationship, that is not biblical. Nowhere in the Bible does it state that broken trust is grounds for divorce, and I would definitely seek the advice of a Christian counselor for clarification (and Terkeurst would echo this as well).
4. Terkeurst does not give the reasons for mistrust in her first marriage - I wish she had - and so I felt like I was reading a very one-sided perspective of how bad the other person was and how much she was on the receiving end of his bad behavior. There are big differences between mistrust from an affair vs. an addiction vs. being in a place that you said you weren’t going to be. All 3 can impact a person, but not all 3 will have the same level of mistrust and should be handled very differently.
5. People sometimes do not confide in others because they are not safe with them. People sometimes do not confide in others because they are attempting to fix a situation that can easily be resolved before they bring it to the other person. There are a myriad of reasons that lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding, so getting to the root of those may clear up most cases of mistrust.
6. Terkeurst adds beneficial scripture references, thought-provoking questions, and reflective areas at the end of each chapter.
Those are my thoughts, and now I understand why I have had so many women come into my office wanting biblical separation and perhaps even divorce. While Terkeurst does not state specifically that mistrust should necessarily end in divorce, she does imply with her own life story that this is a possible, and perhaps even needed, route for women. All I can suggest is to please talk any decision over with a Christian counselor before making such a decision, not just friends, if you are wanting to ensure that you are staying within scripture.
1. I get why women are drawn to her, especially when they have had trust damaged within their marriage, whether by an affair, addiction, etc., and Terkeurst is very relatable and compassionate. There are absolutely legitimate reasons why someone loses trust in another, and this cannot be minimized. Terkeurst very clearly and effectively validates your experience with mistrust.
2. Distrust, though, is not the same thing as abuse, and I caution those who equate the two since those who have suffered true physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse (and she gives a very good definition in her book) will tell you that they are NOT the same.
3. As much as she will nudge people to the fact that broken trust must be wholly repaired in order for a person to stay in a relationship, that is not biblical. Nowhere in the Bible does it state that broken trust is grounds for divorce, and I would definitely seek the advice of a Christian counselor for clarification (and Terkeurst would echo this as well).
4. Terkeurst does not give the reasons for mistrust in her first marriage - I wish she had - and so I felt like I was reading a very one-sided perspective of how bad the other person was and how much she was on the receiving end of his bad behavior. There are big differences between mistrust from an affair vs. an addiction vs. being in a place that you said you weren’t going to be. All 3 can impact a person, but not all 3 will have the same level of mistrust and should be handled very differently.
5. People sometimes do not confide in others because they are not safe with them. People sometimes do not confide in others because they are attempting to fix a situation that can easily be resolved before they bring it to the other person. There are a myriad of reasons that lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding, so getting to the root of those may clear up most cases of mistrust.
6. Terkeurst adds beneficial scripture references, thought-provoking questions, and reflective areas at the end of each chapter.
Those are my thoughts, and now I understand why I have had so many women come into my office wanting biblical separation and perhaps even divorce. While Terkeurst does not state specifically that mistrust should necessarily end in divorce, she does imply with her own life story that this is a possible, and perhaps even needed, route for women. All I can suggest is to please talk any decision over with a Christian counselor before making such a decision, not just friends, if you are wanting to ensure that you are staying within scripture.
October 27, 2024
3.5 stars… good advise, just wasn’t as Biblically based as I expected… walking away with mixed opinion
June 26, 2025
Beautifully written with some deep insights. This was a book I needed to read.
October 23, 2024
Listened. This was a hard one to listen to for me. Very applicable but hard. I could relate to so much with both trust issues with others and how that translates to trust issues with the Lord and how to work through it. There were moments I just felt seen by Lysa through her words. Small sentences that packed punches bc I've felt those things. I had to listen in smaller spurts bc I felt so raw bc of the content. It's good but if you want a feel good fluffy book, this isn't it. Bonus content was also good.
October 13, 2024
I devoured this book in two sittings. I felt like Lysa was reading my mind because she writes with affirmation for what I'm going through right now post-divorce. My trust in others and God has suffered, and she speaks right to those issues with great compassion and wisdom. I highlighted at least 30 quotes for deeper pondering. The book is truly like sitting down with your wisest girlfriend, pouring your heart out, crying together, and finding encouragement at the end.
May 12, 2025
this book is a gem for anyone who is navigating the rough waters of hurt and distrust. it's deeply empathetic, practical, rooted in scripture, and so very raw and honest. lysa terkeurst has a gift for validating her readers' feelings while also pointing us toward the truth of Christ and urging us not to stay in our disappointment. in this book in particular, she encourages us to hope again. and what a powerful thing hope is. especially hope in Christ. i marked all over this book, and i was so comforted to know that i'm not alone in the struggle to win back my ability to love, trust, and hope. i'm really thankful for lysa's willingness to share her story, so God can use it in a way that encourages others and ultimately glorifies Him.
December 30, 2024
My final read and review of 2024 and I couldn’t have picked a better book.
I’ve read plenty of Lysa’s books over the past 14 years and without fail, they’ve always had something that I needed to read during a specific time in my life. This one is no different. As you can probably tell from the title, this book is all about trust. Trust in yourself, trust in others, trust in God. I walked away from the church and (I thought) my relationship with God 5 years ago after too much hurt from leaders/“friends” and little to no support my husband. I really thought I’d never go back or that it could be possible to rekindle that relationship. I already learned this lesson this year but
it was confirmed in this book: never say never.
Earlier this year I started toying with the idea of finding a church near me to give it one more shot. To see if I could start over with my faith walk and put one last ditch effort into seeing if this way of living/believing was for me. The more I thought about it and ran it by trusted friends, the more I felt this was the right decision. Then, I found this book. Deciding to have this be the book that wrapped up 2024 for me felt right from the moment I thought it.
If you have had a shaky walk with the Lord, no matter your background in Christianity, or even if you believe something completely different, I still think this book has many good lessons and teachings worth reading. If you’re feeling lost on what to do in certain circumstances, this book might just be the tool you need to point you in the right direction.
I’ve read plenty of Lysa’s books over the past 14 years and without fail, they’ve always had something that I needed to read during a specific time in my life. This one is no different. As you can probably tell from the title, this book is all about trust. Trust in yourself, trust in others, trust in God. I walked away from the church and (I thought) my relationship with God 5 years ago after too much hurt from leaders/“friends” and little to no support my husband. I really thought I’d never go back or that it could be possible to rekindle that relationship. I already learned this lesson this year but
it was confirmed in this book: never say never.
Earlier this year I started toying with the idea of finding a church near me to give it one more shot. To see if I could start over with my faith walk and put one last ditch effort into seeing if this way of living/believing was for me. The more I thought about it and ran it by trusted friends, the more I felt this was the right decision. Then, I found this book. Deciding to have this be the book that wrapped up 2024 for me felt right from the moment I thought it.
If you have had a shaky walk with the Lord, no matter your background in Christianity, or even if you believe something completely different, I still think this book has many good lessons and teachings worth reading. If you’re feeling lost on what to do in certain circumstances, this book might just be the tool you need to point you in the right direction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2025
There was a season when I was drawn to Lysa while going through difficult circumstances. I still have compassion for her. However, her theology is immature and more informed by psychology than a deep understanding of Scripture and the character of Christ. In short, there is some misrepresentation here of what it means to be a mature Christian.
We grow in discernment by being immersed in Scripture, seeking God regularly in prayer, participating in healthy Christian community, and sitting under mature spiritual leadership. When we are walking so closely with the Lord and have a well developed understanding of the character of Christ we can more accurately discern what is and isn’t from him.
Unfortunately, what’s promoted here is a shortcut. Secular psychology for people who believe in God, but lack a mature theology and therefore strong discernment.
I think what concerns me most is that in an attempt to course correct Lysa has overcorrected toward a more guarded and self-focused / self-protective form of discernment that she’s promoting as mature and Christian.
I have no doubt that God loves Lysa very much and I think her faith is sincere. I pray that she will lean more into her relationship with Christ and understanding who He is and what He teaches than western psychology.
We grow in discernment by being immersed in Scripture, seeking God regularly in prayer, participating in healthy Christian community, and sitting under mature spiritual leadership. When we are walking so closely with the Lord and have a well developed understanding of the character of Christ we can more accurately discern what is and isn’t from him.
Unfortunately, what’s promoted here is a shortcut. Secular psychology for people who believe in God, but lack a mature theology and therefore strong discernment.
I think what concerns me most is that in an attempt to course correct Lysa has overcorrected toward a more guarded and self-focused / self-protective form of discernment that she’s promoting as mature and Christian.
I have no doubt that God loves Lysa very much and I think her faith is sincere. I pray that she will lean more into her relationship with Christ and understanding who He is and what He teaches than western psychology.
September 17, 2024
Lysa had me at the title of the book, then as I began reading my heart raced and old pains surfaced.
In this season of dealing with old trauma that I never dealt with, I have only scratched the surface of freedoms to come, but the great news is I HAVE HOPE!
Lysa words things in a way that reach the pain and forms the words I have yet been able to speak!
Thank you Lysa for lining our healing up with science and the Living Word of GOD!
In this season of dealing with old trauma that I never dealt with, I have only scratched the surface of freedoms to come, but the great news is I HAVE HOPE!
Lysa words things in a way that reach the pain and forms the words I have yet been able to speak!
Thank you Lysa for lining our healing up with science and the Living Word of GOD!
January 30, 2025
For when you feel your trust is beyond repair . . . This 🙌🏼🙏💫
March 4, 2025
TITLE: I Want to Trust You, but I Don't: Book and Study Guide
AUTHOR: LYSA TERKEURST
PUB DATE: 10.08.2024
New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst shows you what to do with your skepticism and distrust so you can heal from past betrayals and move forward with strength and resilience.
So how can you live well and step into the future when you keep stumbling over trust issues?
Trust is the oxygen of all human relationships. But it's also what trips you up after you've been burned. Maybe a friend constantly lets you down. A leader or organization you respect turns out to be different than they portray themselves to be. A spouse cheats on you. A family member betrays you. You're exhausted by other people's choices and starting to question your own discernment.
THOUGHTS:
Wow! What a great book, and the study guide really helped with the self-reflection and putting into action the helpful advice from Lysa. I found that Lysa identified an issue many of us are
facing today and crafted a meaningful and thoughtful approach to mistrust and uneasiness that have festered into our daily lives. Lysa identifies the red flags that stirs up mistrust, how to process doubt, rebuild trust, and how to
heal from the inside out. I find this book alongside the workbook to be a healing process and Lysa's expertise a balm to these traumatic experiences.
AUTHOR: LYSA TERKEURST
PUB DATE: 10.08.2024
New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst shows you what to do with your skepticism and distrust so you can heal from past betrayals and move forward with strength and resilience.
So how can you live well and step into the future when you keep stumbling over trust issues?
Trust is the oxygen of all human relationships. But it's also what trips you up after you've been burned. Maybe a friend constantly lets you down. A leader or organization you respect turns out to be different than they portray themselves to be. A spouse cheats on you. A family member betrays you. You're exhausted by other people's choices and starting to question your own discernment.
THOUGHTS:
Wow! What a great book, and the study guide really helped with the self-reflection and putting into action the helpful advice from Lysa. I found that Lysa identified an issue many of us are
facing today and crafted a meaningful and thoughtful approach to mistrust and uneasiness that have festered into our daily lives. Lysa identifies the red flags that stirs up mistrust, how to process doubt, rebuild trust, and how to
heal from the inside out. I find this book alongside the workbook to be a healing process and Lysa's expertise a balm to these traumatic experiences.
November 1, 2024
Excellent! Spoke to me on many levels through sound Biblical advice! Although it does not replace a trained Christian counselor for issues of deep pain/broken trust, God used it to encourage/sanctify me as a helpful tool to process some things in my own story.
November 12, 2024
This author has done an exceptional job at writing a book that is comforting and educational. This book is very welcoming. It made me feel seen and definitely gave me plenty to regularly revisit.
February 14, 2025
“When people have a bad track record, of course it is not wise to blindly keep trusting them, but we also don’t want to make our future relationships pay for the sins of the people who broke our trust in the past. That’s the biggest risk of all in this journey, it’s not that we will risk trusting and have our hearts broken again. It’s that we won’t grow and heal.”
I read this book being a year and a half out from experiencing some very painful workplace abuse and harassment. I was seeing how the people (and company) that had hurt me and betrayed my trust was impacting my current relationships (romantic, family, and new work relationships). This was frustrating, especially considering how much I had seen myself grow and heal after leaving the toxic workplace. But overcoming trauma and broken trust doesn’t follow an easy one-time formula. This book was excellent, I felt seen and challenged to keep doing the work to overcome the fears the enemy kept bringing up… Fears and mistrust that threatened to keep me in bondage, hopeless and alone. That is not what God intends for me. I recommend this book to anyone striving to trust God better… and anyone in need of learning to trust people again.
I read this book being a year and a half out from experiencing some very painful workplace abuse and harassment. I was seeing how the people (and company) that had hurt me and betrayed my trust was impacting my current relationships (romantic, family, and new work relationships). This was frustrating, especially considering how much I had seen myself grow and heal after leaving the toxic workplace. But overcoming trauma and broken trust doesn’t follow an easy one-time formula. This book was excellent, I felt seen and challenged to keep doing the work to overcome the fears the enemy kept bringing up… Fears and mistrust that threatened to keep me in bondage, hopeless and alone. That is not what God intends for me. I recommend this book to anyone striving to trust God better… and anyone in need of learning to trust people again.
July 4, 2025
Journeying through trust can at times be difficult. In “I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t,” Lysa does a phenomenal job expressing her vulnerabilities and relating it to how we can not only trust people again, but how it’s imperative to trust God through the process of once again trusting people. While reading, I recognized many parallels to my own story, which at times made it difficult to read. Lysa also lays out practical ways to help overcome fear of trusting and going out of comfort zones to become a better person in the process. I recommend this book for anyone dealing with hurt and wanting to once again learn to trust, even when it hurts.
January 19, 2025
4.5 ✨ I guess I love her 😂 this is my 5th or 6th time to read one of her books. Super helpful information on trusting organizations/people/relationships.
January 30, 2025
Lysa TerKeurst is one of my favorite Christian authors. Her books are beautifully written with profound statements that inspire you to draw nearer to Jesus. However, I was disappointed with this book as it felt redundant. In fact, I think the whole book can be summarized by this sentence from page 88: “(…) rebuilding trust requires a combination of three things: time believable behavior, and a track record of trustworthiness.”
The book is undoubtedly based in scripture and theologically sound, but I struggled to apply the repetitive teachings to my life. Fortunately, I’m not in a season right now where I have to navigate a relationship after a heartache. If there is a time in my future where I struggle to trust someone again, this book can serve as a helpful guide with good reminders.
The book is undoubtedly based in scripture and theologically sound, but I struggled to apply the repetitive teachings to my life. Fortunately, I’m not in a season right now where I have to navigate a relationship after a heartache. If there is a time in my future where I struggle to trust someone again, this book can serve as a helpful guide with good reminders.
December 17, 2024
A good listen. More informative than biblical teaching, but a worthwhile read all the same.
Listened on Amazon Music Unlimited.
Listened on Amazon Music Unlimited.
August 3, 2025
I read this as part of a study with a local ministry, and it was exactly what I needed in this season. This is my sixth book by Lysa, and every time I read her work, I’m reminded of why I keep coming back. There’s something about her voice and the way she writes that makes it feel like she’s sitting right next to you. Her words connect in a way that feels honest, relatable, and grounding. Her devotionals are still my favorite, but this one came at the right time.
What stood out most was how she included her own therapeutic journey and talked about the medical side of trauma recovery. That felt real and gave this book depth beyond surface-level advice.
One quote that really stuck with me was:
“There are more resources available to you than the pain you feel.”
It’s the kind of truth you come back to when things feel heavy. She also wrote,
“Trust is built in drops and lost in buckets,”
and that one hit home too. So simple but so accurate.
If you’re navigating broken trust, trying to understand how to move forward with faith, or just need to be reminded that you’re not alone, I’d absolutely recommend this one. It’s honest, hope-filled, and rooted in truth.
What stood out most was how she included her own therapeutic journey and talked about the medical side of trauma recovery. That felt real and gave this book depth beyond surface-level advice.
One quote that really stuck with me was:
“There are more resources available to you than the pain you feel.”
It’s the kind of truth you come back to when things feel heavy. She also wrote,
“Trust is built in drops and lost in buckets,”
and that one hit home too. So simple but so accurate.
If you’re navigating broken trust, trying to understand how to move forward with faith, or just need to be reminded that you’re not alone, I’d absolutely recommend this one. It’s honest, hope-filled, and rooted in truth.
March 9, 2025
This book is very insightful and full of great anecdotes. Definitely a good book for a friend going through a hard time, period of “why me” or waiting. It has great questions for someone who enjoys journaling also.
It is a bit repetitive in a weird way - the topics were just way more connected and I think some items felt overused. I also think it “ended” for a long time - maybe because of the bonus chapter and because I did the audio.
It is a bit repetitive in a weird way - the topics were just way more connected and I think some items felt overused. I also think it “ended” for a long time - maybe because of the bonus chapter and because I did the audio.
March 1, 2025
I am a big fan of Lisa Terkeurst and this book lived up to the hype! I don’t always know what I need until it’s smack dab in my face. This was definitely what I needed! I don’t know why I’m constantly amazed at Gods perfect timing because it happens all the time, but I am! Thank you Lysa for being so ‘real’ and such an amazing vessel sharing Gods love for us!
December 9, 2024
This book is excellent for anyone who has been hurt by people they trusted and have suffered the consequences. Her transparency into her own life and pain brings out the emotional and physical damage done from grief and betrayal. She gives much hope through Bible verses and valuable advice.
September 11, 2025
I don’t like to read books that are gender specific and I say that because I felt as if this was targeted for a women’s audience. In fact, most of the books I have read by her have been that way. I am not saying that it is bad, but I think it would be a good idea to make it for a general audience instead of just one particular gender.
However, I loved how she wrote this book and used Bible verses to accompany the advice she gave. I loved how honest she was about God and her inability to trust Him at times. You can tell through her words that her emotions were raw, real, and honest. I truly believe her book will help someone who is having a hard time trusting someone they love.
However, I loved how she wrote this book and used Bible verses to accompany the advice she gave. I loved how honest she was about God and her inability to trust Him at times. You can tell through her words that her emotions were raw, real, and honest. I truly believe her book will help someone who is having a hard time trusting someone they love.
January 7, 2025
Very timely, encouraging and healing! I appreciate how Lysa broke down roots of distrust; it made it much easier to see all trust is not lost. Once you can pick out what makes you distrustful, seeds of hope can fall into place again. 🌱
February 18, 2025
Lysa's books are medicine for any soul that's ever experienced heartbreak from someone in their life who should have been trustworthy. She brings God's truth to shine, but also is very candid and honest with how life just plain hurts and doesn't make sense. I highly recommend anything written by Lysa for any individual who has ever struggled with balancing having been hurt and wanting to move forward living whole.
April 30, 2025
so many applicable truths.
June 20, 2025
I enjoyed this book, but if you’ve ever gone to therapy, it’s not really anything new.
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