What To Do And What Not To Do
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:4-5
I learned these verses many years ago and they are favorites of mine.
The first verse for today contains a to do and a not to do. The to do is to trust God. I understand the meaning, but I admit that from time to time I have struggles with discerning God’s wisdom and thereby trusting God; essentially knowing to let go and let God. So, I lean on my own wisdom – which is the not to do part of the verse – not leaning on my own understanding. Why might I lean on my own understanding? Perhaps it is because we have an American culture that focuses on self-will. Often our impatience flaw causes us to go the self-reliance route rather than talking to God about important decisions. Self-reliance means we’re already smart enough anyway. Really? Smarter than the Creator?
In the second verse – submission brings trust. I like to remember my relationship with my father. I value my life experiences with my dad. I was blessed to have him to count on as I grew up. I trusted him for my security. I had great confidence in his good character and abilities. I remember the life lessons my dad imparted to me and especially his guidance in preparing for things we all eventually need to encounter that will require sound decisions. As I’ve already confessed, I was sometimes self-willed, and I made important decisions without his counsel that didn’t work out too well. But even when I did that, dad could be counted on to point out my mistakes, explain why the results were not so good, and offer the education I needed to not repeat the same mistakes. In some instances, he would fix the situation I created. After the situation had passed, he would lovingly remind me that it might be wiser to consider bringing whatever the challenge was to him before making any inexperienced decisions. Our relationship with the Father is very similar. God guarantees us that same provision of security and confidence that He will never fail us if we just trust Him and submit to His will.
Allow Him to guide your steps. He will direct you through the daily challenges of living but also know that submission to Him will lead you where you were not expecting and amaze you with the impact you effect if you go where He needs you.
Father grant me the courage to let go and allow You to lead. As I seek to live for You, bless me with the wisdom I need to confront the confusing world I live in. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.