Can You Trust Him?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)

We are often confronted with decisions that can have a serious impact on our lives—some of the impacts we may never consider or comprehend until it is too late. Scholars point to Solomon as the writer of the Book of Proverbs, and given Solomon received wisdom from God, I think I will stick with this belief.

Solomon wrote Proverbs 3, which reminds the reader that God has wisdom that exceeds comprehension. So we, according to our verse, should trust completely in the Lord. This is a difficult thing for humans to do. I know some, as you probably do also, who believe in God but fail to rely on God. If we rely on God for every breath, why would we not rely on Him to direct us in our lives? The Word of God provides every bit of direction we need, and Solomon reminds us of this fact.

Solomon also gives us a warning not to trust our own understanding. We cannot see beyond today, where God planned tomorrow before time began. While this verse warns of us of relying on our own understanding, it does not prohibit us from using it. However, our understanding should not be our sole source of direction. When we acknowledge God, it is our mind's practical expression that submits to the will of God. It is our expression that we know God and are devoted to Him, trusting in His plan for our life.

Each of us as a Christian strives to live a righteous life. The straight path Solomon speaks of is a righteous path. A path that leads to life. We can contrast this with the crooked path that leads to death. Not only is the straight path a righteous path, but it is also a level path, a path free of obstacles.

Trusting in God is something that you must decide on your own. No one can tell you how to place your trust in God. I believe it comes with maturity in Christ. We study the Word, and as we grow in Christ, we see Him working in our lives. We begin to rely more and more on Him as we fall deeper and deeper in love and devotion. Christ is a treasure that cannot be compared. When we realize this, our relationship with Him grows more and more. There comes a point where your everyday worries subside. They may never disappear, but you stop worrying because you have placed your trust in God completely. The straight path is a path that leads one to freedom, freedom from dependency on the world and others. This freedom gives you calmness, a peace in your life because you now trust in your Creator.

When were you converted? You were converted before time. God knew you before time. He knows every hair on your head, and he has a plan for your life. It may not be a bed of roses, but it is His plan, and that plan leads you to Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; you will never regret it.

Peace and Grace!