By Rebecca Murzin
I recently taught in “Kids For Christ”, which is our church’s children’s ministry. One of the boys read Proverbs 3 aloud. I loved hearing him read it as it is one of my favorite Proverbs. It is a very familiar chapter and especially in regard to verses 5 and 6.
“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
I love how God’s word is active and alive and that no matter how many times I read His word, He ministers to me and my heart in a new way. As the words poured over me afresh, I thought “Do I really trust God with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding?” I would like to say yes because my desire is to do so. However, as I reflect on the way I have lived and acted over the last several months, I would have to admit that no I haven’t. Way too often I have leant on my own understanding. I have made important decisions without seeking Him and checking to see what would be in His will. I commit to activities in many areas thinking I know how it will play out, or what would be best for me because I am leaning on my understanding of myself and schedule. I decide this or that will be best for me because it will enhance my career or benefit my house, or my family etc. It can be so easy to justify by saying, “well He told me to get this job so it must be ok.” Well maybe it is and maybe it isn’t, but isn’t it better to check with the one who knows all and can see all? I act as if I can see the future when I can’t.
If I truly trusted God with my whole heart, I would seek him in all my choices for work and family. The truth is, I don’t because I am afraid of what He might tell or show me. He knows what’s best for me and I need to trust Him in every area even when it’s uncomfortable. I need to acknowledge Him in all my ways. It makes a huge difference when I walk in the constant awareness that God is always with me.
We need to acknowledge His presence and trust Him to lead us. Acknowledge that we are not capable of doing what is right without Him. We need to be aware of the opportunities He has given us. It is important to regularly reflect on our actions and heart. If we don’t, it is easy to drift to a place where we don’t want to be.
Lord, I pray you take down the walls in my heart where I have erected to keep you out. Forgive me for the times I have acted as if I know better than you. May I rely on you and your wisdom always.
