Where Is God Asking You to Trust in Him?
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. (Proverbs 3:5–6 NIV)
How do you trust in God with all your heart? I think it’s choosing to believe that he has his best in mind for you at all times. Believing that even in the bleakest of circumstances, God can and will show up and bring good. Choosing not to allow fear to dictate how you feel, what you think about, or the actions you take. Staying rooted in the truth of God’s love for you and remembering all the ways he’s been faithful in your past.
Isaiah reminds us that God has declared that his ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8–9). What we see or know might not be everything a situation involves, and we tend to think in ways the world has told us are true and absolute. But God doesn’t work within man’s constraints. He’s all powerful and all knowing, and he’s most likely working behind the scenes for something good we might not be able to imagine.
Submission is such a hard concept to grasp in our day and age. We’re told to stand up for ourselves, take what belongs to us, and not let anyone tell us what to do. Submission asks us to lay down our own desires and hand our dreams and plans to someone else. It involves choosing the path of humility. It’s important to be certain that who you submit to is completely trustworthy and will do what’s best for you.
Proverbs 3:5 reminds us that we can’t submit to someone we don’t completely trust. If we’re unsure about God’s love for us or about his desire to bless and provide good things for us, then, of course, we can’t in good conscience submit to him. It’s only in the experience of a faithful and loving relationship developed and proven over time that we can submit to God in complete confidence.
Perhaps submission isn’t possible right now because you don’t have a track record with God. Start focusing on experiencing his faithfulness by choosing to trust him in small things. Then eventually grow that trust by asking for his guidance in the big things. Also, look at your life history for evidence of God’s work in your life.
Even before I chose to become a Christ-follower, God was working in my life. For instance, one time I couldn’t go on an outing with a friend because I had volleyball practice at school. If I had gone, there’s a strong possibility I would have died later that day when the car my friend was in hydroplaned into a concrete pillar. I believe God was involved in my decision to play volleyball that year.
Proverbs 3:6 promises that once we’re able to give up control of our lives and hand the reins fully to God, he will make our paths straight. He’ll make it clear what steps we’re to take in our lives. He’ll show us the best way to move forward and invite us to journey with him on the path that leads to an abundant life.
These two verses in Proverbs ask us to do three things: trust in God, let go of our own understanding and submit to God. The result of this obedience is a straight path. “Crooked paths” is often a metaphor for mistakes and sidetracks that often contain detours and unpleasant experiences. A straight path stands for what is true and right and good. We all want to be on the path that leads to goodness. Will we trust, let go, and submit so we can see God provide?
Lord, we’re so thankful that you make it clear how to have an abundant life. Thank you for your Word that speaks truth and encourages us. Thank you for your Spirit, who helps us obey your Word. Please reveal to us any areas where we’re not trusting you, letting go, or submitting to you. We know you have good plans and purposes for us, and we want those to come to fruition. We trust that by submitting to you, it will be done. Give us courage to trust you even when it’s hard or doesn’t seem to make sense. Remind us of your past provisions and your everlasting love for us. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8–9 NIV)
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)
Reach for More
Which of the three actions asked of us in Proverbs 3:5–6 do you find most challenging: trusting, letting go, or submitting? In what areas is God asking you to trust him? Where do you need to let go of your understanding of a situation? Is there an area where you find it especially difficult to submit to God? Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore.
is an author, blogger, and SAHM. She lives with her husband, two children, and cat in Georgia. Megan likes to read, travel, exercise, attend cultural events, and learn. She blogs at meganbyrd.net.
Photograph © Jon Flobrant, used with permission
