Many of us have certain Scripture verses to use as a source of encouragement. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a favorite of mine. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
It sounds right, but what does it really mean? We slip so easily and quickly into trusting self, spouse, children, economy and our IRA because they are all more visible and audible than God seems to be.
“Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart.” This phrase expresses the foundation of relationship with God. We cannot receive salvation without a trusting faith in Him (Romans 5:1; Mark 6:16). Genuine faith supports a continually growing trust in God’s ability and willingness to always keep His Word (Titus 1:2). Placing ultimate trust in oneself, other people or the ever-changing philosophies of the world, is always
destructive. In trusting God, we can con. dently expect daily
blessings, and the anticipated promise of eternity with Him.
Solomon, after receiving the great gift of God’s wisdom, instructed in Proverbs 3:5: “do not lean on your own under-
standing." That may sound frightening at . rst, but if we hon-
estly consider our track record, it’s a relief to know we have more than our limited understanding to guide us through life and as we step into eternity.
Self-reliance is driven by pride. Proverb 16:25: “There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death.”
Genesis 3-4 tells how, at human history's beginning, the . rst
man and woman chose to lean on their own understanding, bringing sin, sickness and death into the world. When we trust in God, we lean into Him rather than into human weakness.
Our spouse and our children also do not have all the answers
to life's questions, and because they are . nite, they cannot
meet all our needs. When we attempt to seat them in that place only God can . ll, we pressure them to accomplish
something impossible for them to do. They feel like failures; we become disappointed and disillusioned, and relationships shatter.
The attempt to control circumstances and people indicates a lack of trust in God, and produces fear, anger and dishonesty.
(James 3:13-16) Proverbs 3:6: “in all your ways acknowledge God.” As we acknowledge God’s sovereignty in each life detail, economical changes lose the power to control us, even when we feel frightened emotionally. Our world says to cling to what we have so we’ll have what we need. Jesus directly contradicted that viewpoint in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. By your standard of measure, it will be measured back to you.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) “Remember, he who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows generously will reap generously.”
We show that we trust God’s provision for us when we share what He has given; choosing to submit to His life instructions because we believe He is all-powerful, all-knowing and in-
. nitely tender in His unchangeable love for us. We acknowl- edge His ownership and our stewardship. He is the Giver of good gifts and He delights in sharing with us. (James 1:1718)
Biblical Guidance Counseling through In. nite Grace Min- istries teaches how to grow deep in our trust of God in uncertain times, as we learn of God’s amazing love and tender compassion. Your tax-deductible gift makes YOU a partner, providing life changing training for those in crisis; under- writing ministry cost for those in . nancial crisis. For your
convenience, monthly auto-debit is available. Call 580-774-- 2884 for more information or send donations to In. nite Grace Ministries, PO Box 466, Weatherford, OK 73096. Send questions and comments to: Dr. Dixie Yoder [email protected] www.drdixie.org
