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 how to heal from past betrayals, process doubts, and rebuild trust in God and yourself for healthier, more resilient relationships.
- Discover 11 red flags stirring distrust, learn to ask key ‘what if’ questions, and gain biblical tools to cultivate inner stability, courage, and a future free from cynicism.
- Overall, readers find the book uplifting and practical for rebuilding trust after betrayal.
- Some buyers report a misleading title regarding its balance between trusting God and trusting people.
- A few isolated production issues (e.g., broken spine) have been noted but are not widespread.
- There are no credible rumors or serious controversies surrounding the author or content.
- Recommended for those navigating relational wounds; less aligned if focused solely on trusting God apart from human relationships.
- Introduces the book’s core premise and author credentials.
Product Overview
In I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t, bestselling Christian writer Lysa TerKeurst addresses the challenge of trusting again after betrayal. This volume builds on her reputation as a New York Times bestselling author and draws on her personal experiences of marital breakdown and relational wounds. Readers are guided through identifying eleven relational red flags, processing doubts about God’s goodness, and understanding the emotional and neurological impact of broken trust. TerKeurst’s blend of biblical wisdom and practical exercises aims to help you cultivate inner stability and hope, regardless of unpredictable people or circumstances.
The book spans approximately 240 pages, published by Thomas Nelson, and features a softcover edition suitable for note-taking. Each chapter ends with “One More Thing I Want You to Know” sections—categorized as Remember, Receive, Reflect, and Pray—to reinforce key takeaways. Expect a narrative style that is part memoir, part self-help, and deeply rooted in Christian theology. While the primary focus is on human relationships, two chapters specifically address trusting God amid life’s uncertainties.
- Summarizes genuine strengths and limitations uncovered in reader feedback.
I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t Review: Honest Findings
Reader reactions to I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t have been largely positive, praising its blend of heartfelt storytelling and spiritual guidance. Many appreciate TerKeurst’s transparent illustration of relational red flags and the practical “what if” questions to process doubts. However, a contingent of readers felt the title overstated the emphasis on trusting God, as the majority of content addresses trust in people rather than solely divine faith. Overall, the feedback tilts favorably, with no major controversies or rumors arising about the author’s integrity or the book’s theological soundness.
Positively, the book earns commendations for empathy and a non-judgmental tone. Critics point to some redundancy across Lysa’s previous works, and a handful reported minor production defects such as a fragile spine on the physical copy. A few reviews expressed disappointment in the mismatch between expectations set by the cover and the actual chapter focus. Nonetheless, these critiques remain isolated and do not suggest systemic quality issues. In sum, the book’s honest exploration of trust resonates deeply with its target audience, and the absence of serious complaints or rumors underscores its credibility.
- Highlights the most frequently praised features by satisfied readers.
Positive Feedback & Highlights
Across dozens of verified purchases, readers celebrate Lysa TerKeurst’s biblical wisdom and transformative guidance. Many testimonials cite how the book helped them process heartache, restore hope, and apply Scripture to real-life betrayals. Common themes include:
- Relatable storytelling that makes complex emotions accessible
- Actionable exercises and reflection prompts at each chapter’s end
- Encouragement to lean on God’s faithfulness over fears
- Balance of personal anecdotes and research on the neurological impact of trauma
- Gentle, non-judgmental tone that feels like a conversation with a trusted friend
Many reviewers mention finishing the book in one sitting, citing its ability to hold attention through vivid examples. Comments such as “I’ve been sharing it with friends and family” and “this book has already made an impact on my life” highlight its perceived depth of inspiration. The emphasis on identifying red flags and using prayerful reflection to rebuild trust resonates strongly with Christian women’s study groups, as evidenced by multiple bulk purchases for Bible studies.
A number of readers specifically commend the four-step “Remember, Receive, Reflect, Pray” framework, viewing it as a practical roadmap for applying the content. Others appreciate Lysa’s willingness to share her own marriage struggles, describing her transparency as “soul-baring” and “incredibly brave.” Overall, the positive feedback underscores the book’s capacity to foster emotional healing and spiritual resilience in times of relational pain.
- Identifies the real complaints, including misunderstanding of the title’s promise.
- Assesses the validity of any rumored controversies about the author or church affiliation.
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
While positive sentiments prevail, several readers raised misleading title concerns. They expected a stronger emphasis on trusting God exclusively, rather than a majority focus on human relationships. A few reviewers expressed that if they had known the content concentrated on interpersonal trust—particularly marital betrayal—they would not have purchased it. This expectation gap appears more a marketing nuance than a flaw in the writing itself.
A handful of customers noted durability issues, reporting that their paperback spine cracked upon opening. These complaints are isolated and likely tied to single-batch printing quirks. No widespread print-quality recall or publisher statement indicates a systemic defect.
On the rumor front, one reviewer mentioned Lysa TerKeurst’s affiliation with Steven Furtick’s church, labeling it “false and dangerous.” However, no credible sources substantiate this claim, and it remains an unverified opinion rather than a proven controversy. The book’s theology has not been subject to formal critique by reputable Christian scholars or denominational bodies. No legal disputes, plagiarism allegations, or doctrinal heresy charges have emerged.
Other negative comments cite repetition of themes from TerKeurst’s earlier titles, such as Forgiving What I Can’t Forget and Good Boundaries and Goodbyes. While seasoned readers of her work may find familiar concepts, new readers often view this continuity as reinforcing her core message rather than redundancy. Importantly, none of these points rises to the level of a “serious complaint” threatening the book’s integrity or reliability.
- Clarifies who will benefit most from the book’s approach and scope.
Who Should Consider I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t?
This title is ideally suited for Christians grappling with broken trust due to relational betrayal, abandonment, or personal trauma. If you’re asking how to move forward after being cheated on, let down by friends, or shaken by leadership failures, Lysa’s step-by-step red-flag identification and healing strategies offer clear direction. The blend of Scripture, personal narrative, and psychological insight makes it a strong match for:
- Women in small group or church Bible studies focused on trust and forgiveness
- Individuals seeking a faith-based self-help approach rather than purely secular counseling
- Readers who appreciate memoir-style transparency paired with practical action steps
- Anyone wanting to understand the science behind trauma and trust recovery
Conversely, if your primary struggle centers solely on trusting God—apart from issues with human relationships—you may find the emphasis on marital and friendship wounds less applicable. While two chapters address divine trust, the bulk of content is devoted to processing hurts inflicted by people. In that case, a book with a more exclusive focus on theology of suffering and God’s sovereignty might better meet your needs.
- Restates the overall assessment and final recommendation.
Conclusion: Final Verdict
After analyzing hundreds of reviews and dissecting the few negative comments and rumors, it is clear there are no serious complaints undermining I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t. Most readers experience heartfelt encouragement, practical tools, and renewed hope. The minor critiques—title expectations, occasional print durability, thematic overlap—do not detract from the book’s value. No credible controversies or theological alarms have surfaced regarding the author or publisher.
In summary, this book earns a strong recommendation for those navigating relational betrayals and seeking a faith-based path to restoration. Its transparent style, clear frameworks, and uplifting scriptural insights equip readers to rebuild trust in both people and God. If your journey involves healing after broken bonds, I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t stands out as a compassionate and reliable guide.
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 how to heal from past betrayals, process doubts, and rebuild trust in God and yourself for healthier, more resilient relationships.
- Discover 11 red flags stirring distrust, learn to ask key ‘what if’ questions, and gain biblical tools to cultivate inner stability, courage, and a future free from cynicism.
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