Proverbs Chapter 3, Versus 5-6, Source: New King James Version (NKJV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Note: Alternate translations for verse 6 : “make smooth your paths” or “make straight your paths”
I can still remember back when I was a small boy. Whenever something would scare me or make me afraid, my mother would tell me “we must not rely on our understanding, we must trust in the Lord,” and everything will be all right. It wasn’t until I was older, and reading the Bible for myself, that I realized that her message of assurance came form the Holy Scriptures. She was just paraphrasing what I believe to be some of the most profound advice in the Bible, Proverbs chapter 3, versus 5 and 6.
I don’t know if it was the memories of my mother’s words, or some sort of a conscious act of my own, but throughout my life these Bible verses have become ingrained in my thinking and served as an anchor in all I do. As a mere human, my vision is limited to my experience and knowledge, but the Lord of love is all knowing, always present and all powerful. He is unlimited. He knows the past and He sees the future. Again and again when I have placed my trust in the Lord, He has directed my path; often in ways I would have never chosen. Sometimes it’s a wonderful journey, and other times He leads me through dark and fearful valleys. But when I look back, I realize that if I hadn’t passed through the dark and fearful valley I would have never known the new opportunities and blessings He has bestowed on me. Sometimes God says “no” as so aptly summed up by Garth Brooks in his song “Unanswered Prayers.” Often taking us on a path we would not have chosen on our own, the Lord will protect us and guide us if we have the courage to trust Him with all our heart.
Most Glorious and Awesome Lord God, help me to strengthen my faith that I may put aside my fears and lack of understanding, and fully trust You to direct my paths to the glory of Your kingdom.