The Bible Edge
Practical Points to Ponder from Proverbs
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Within the pages of the Bible there are many things asked, commanded, suggested, and otherwise taught that are very difficult to do. Things like turning the other cheek, loving our enemies, forgiving others their trespasses against us, and preferring others before ourselves. These are not easy to do, and they fly against our very nature.
The key word is the first. Trust. Most individuals are so tired, or perhaps conditioned, to distrust that they find it difficult to trust anyone or anything. Others have let them down, the “process” didn’t work for them, time and again they have been disappointed by trusting in someone or something so that now, they trust nothing. It doesn’t have to be this way. There is ONE that can be trusted. The LORD. Trust in the LORD. Trust Him with all thy heart.
One of the issues that must be faced if a person decides to trust in the Lord is that of faith. The Lord God is not seen. He is invisible. There is no way to watch Him to learn from Him. Not with the physical eye. So, to trust Him there must be faith in Him. So, an issue crops up, one that demands attention, and probably decision. A life changing decision. There are two basic ways to deal with this situation. One is naturally, meaning that which we have learned, been taught, is expected, and is wise according to logic and our understanding. The other is spiritual, based on faith, based on the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit of God. Which will be chosen? The one that is more trusted.
The foundational element in trusting the Lord is summed up in Isaiah 55:9. There the Lord told the prophet: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. To trust Him we must admit we cannot understand Him. This is difficult for many. To trust in that which they cannot see, prove, or understand, that takes faith…great faith.
Now, notice, in our verses today, the three actions mentioned: trust, lean not, and acknowledge, only lead to a path. God only directs your path. You must walk the path. Therein is the great disconnect. This verse does not deal with the issue, it only serves as the prerequisite to find the path to walk to deal with the issue. It happens like this. He leads you down a path that is probably contrary to what you think, understand, and/or could explain to others. That is a difficult path to walk. But by walking it, you will be blessed, protected, and one day rewarded. The Bible Edge for today is to trust in the LORD, do not lean to your own understanding, acknowledge Him, and then walk down the path that He directs you unto. By the way, He will be with you on the path!
William T. Howe, Ph.D.