Trust.  

I don’t know about you, but trust doesn’t always come naturally to me. Is it my nature? Or maybe my life experiences that have made it more difficult? Could it be the enemy and his schemes? Perhaps it’s all the above. But one thing I do know is that trusting God is an important part of our faith.  

From my experience, there are seasons in life when this comes a lot easier, and other seasons when this can be difficult. I’ve talked to several people lately who are walking through very challenging circumstances. Others who are wrestling with a lot of doubt. And my own life has many unknowns right now. These are the times when it’s important to lean not on our own understanding but trust on the only One who is fully trustworthy.  

Whatever season of life you find yourself in right now, let’s slow down together and see what God might have to say to us about trust through this verse in Proverbs. 

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.”  

Trust in the Lord: 

This is easy to say until we find ourselves in a situation that we are not in control. One where we truly do need to trust in the Lord. In these times, it’s especially important to pray specifically and to wait expectantly for God's answer. We may not always see the answer, but by trusting in Him, we can experience peace even in the unknowns.  

Isaiah 26:3-4:“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD Himself, is the Rock eternal.” 

With all of your heart: 

It’s tempting to hold back some of our heart when things are unknown. But when it comes to trusting in God, He wants us to give Him all of our hearts. He is the only one who can truly hold it perfectly. I don’t know about you, but when times are rough or confusing, my natural response is to try and do more myself or hold on tighter. But what I need to do in this moment is to loosen my grip and go to the one whom I can wholly trust.  

Psalm 145:8: “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” 

Lean not on your own understanding: 

How often are things uncertain in the moment, but later you see more of the picture. Now let’s consider God and His infinite understanding since He sees all things and stands outside of time. Typically, when we lean too much on our own understanding, things get confusing. Our understanding is limited. But God sees the whole picture. God’s ways are so much higher than ours, and His understanding has no limits. Lean on the one who knows all things.  

Isaiah 55:8:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, 

neither are your ways my ways,” 
declares the Lord.” 

In all your ways submit to Him: 

In other Bible translations it says, “acknowledge Him” or to “seek His will in all you do”. So, what would it look like for us to seek God’s will in all we do? It would be going to Him first. Consulting with Him before our friends, spouse, or family. It would mean saying yes to Him, even if it goes against our nature or even our desires.  

James 4:7-8: “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” 

And He will make your paths straight: 

I’m so grateful the verse ends this way. I know if I was leading the way, my path would not end up straight. I may think I know what’s best, but history shows me otherwise, and the past reminds me that God has always been there for me and guided me wisely. Even when I didn’t prefer the outcome, He has worked it out for good.  

Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 

Wherever you find yourself today, be encouraged! You can trust God. He is in control. You can give Him your heart. You can lean on Him. You can submit to His ways. And He will, indeed, make your path straight.