Strengthening Students’ Trust in God: Theological Reflections on Exodus 14:31 in the Context of SDN 071223 Orahili Gomo

Abstract

This study examines the theological and pedagogical significance of Exodus 14:31 in strengthening students’ trust in God within the context of Christian Religious Education (CRE) at SDN 071223 Orahili Gomo. Trust in God is a foundational element of faith formation, particularly at the elementary level where students are in a critical stage of spiritual and moral development. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, this research synthesizes scholarly works in biblical theology, child faith development, and Christian pedagogy to construct an integrative framework for classroom application. The analysis highlights that in Exodus 14:31, Israel’s belief in the Lord emerged from witnessing God’s redemptive action at the Red Sea, demonstrating that trust is shaped through experiential encounter, communal interpretation, and faithful leadership. The findings further indicate that children’s trust in God develops through narrative engagement, relational modeling, reflective practice, and contextualized instruction. Teachers play a mediating role in faith formation, as their spiritual authenticity and pedagogical strategies significantly influence students’ perceptions of God. In the context of SDN 071223 Orahili Gomo, strengthening trust in God requires intentional integration of theological reflection with transformative teaching methods that connect biblical truths to students’ lived experiences. The study concludes that Christian education must move beyond cognitive instruction toward holistic spiritual formation, fostering a resilient and experiential faith grounded in the recognition of God’s faithfulness.