Prov 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” [NKJV]
I usually carry a walking stick with me when I walk outside. In the past I’ve carried it mainly as a guard against dogs or when I would walk on unpaved sections of the road where I’d have to deal with stones, uneven ground, and potholes. Lately, however, I use it all the time—even on smooth sidewalks. My muscles are a bit compromised and that throws my balance off, so, I “lean on” my walking stick. I trust it to keep me upright and bear my weight in every and all circumstances.
The Psalmist reminds us that we are to not rely on our own human understanding or wisdom but are to trust in the LORD our God with all our hearts. Our own understanding often fails us. I could even say our understand will “always” fail us if we base it on mere human knowledge and wisdom.
Instead we are to keep the LORD our God in the forefront of our mind in every situation, in every day. Trusting in God isn’t just a Sunday “come-to-meeting” experience, it’s a 365-24-7 experience. We are to remember Him all the time and not just remember, we are also to acknowledge Him. We are to follow Him.
When we follow Him, He “shall direct [our] paths.” That doesn’t mean that every obstacle will be removed, or every circumstance or situation averted. It does mean, however, that at the very least we won’t have all those self-generated obstacles in our way! Most of what I must jump over comes from my own impatience, rebellion, misdirection, and stupidity anyway!
Oh LORD, we trust in You, acknowledge You, and lean on You to direct our every step, every day. Help us, O God. Amen.
