Proberbs 3:5.6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
This particular Proverb is often quoted by people as one that provides comfort and illustrates how God oversees and directs our lives; and it should be, as that is exactly what it illustrates to us.
On the other hand, there are large numbers of people who fail to see and feel the guiding hand of God in their lives, and then question God as to why and even hold it against Him.
What we sometimes fail to see is that this Proverb has two parts; it is a conditional statement. If we want to see the realization of one part of God’s Word, we have to meet the requirements of another part; this Proverb is a great example of that.
“If” we acknowledge Him in all of our ways, then He will direct our paths. In other words, as normal, God has to be the focus rather than us. When we expect God’s guidance and hand in our lives, but offer nothing in return, then it only becomes another sad example of our faith being man centered rather than God centered. What, then, does it mean to acknowledge Him in all of your ways?
Its like a sport in some ways; we only have to get back to the basics:
- Are you saved? If you aren’t, the your sin has you separated from God, both in this life and eternally. Until that gulf is crossed by the restorative work of Jesus Christ, God cannot direct your paths.
- Do you read and study God’s Word daily? If we aren’t seeking His revealed will from His Word, why would we expect any special guidance and direction?
- Do we pray, meditate and spend alone time with God daily? Seeking His guidance means seeking His will. We can only know His will if we know Him. Study and prayer are the ways we accomplish that.
- Are we striving to live like Jesus and for Jesus? It seems that if we are constantly out of line with the life He would have us live, that His efforts will be solely devoted to getting us back in line. Once again, why would He share with us His special guidance if we aren’t even following His specific guidance?
Become saved by the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. Read, study and meditate daily. Spend time in prayer and communion with God daily. Do these things and acknowledge Him in all of your ways, and He will direct your paths.
Truth in Palmyra 
May 16, 2017 at 09:31
❤️ 😌❤️😁
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May 16, 2017 at 09:35
Thank you Belinda
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May 16, 2017 at 09:42
I rally enjoyed this Wally, good stuff!
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May 16, 2017 at 09:53
Thanks Tricia. As usual, sometimes posts come from the meanderings of my own failures. As I wondered why things just really seemed to suck lately(pardon the vernacular LOL) I felt pretty convicted that the issue was not that God had bailed on me, but it was me that was missing something. I still don’t know that the missing is, but realizing I had a problem was a start. Thanks Tricia!
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May 16, 2017 at 10:16
I have to tell you Wally I struggle with this all the time. I think it’s a very common issue and the best thing we can do is realize it’s never about God doing anything wrong. I know you know that, but sometimes it’s helpful to know others feel the same way.
I like your vernacular, keeps things real! 😉
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May 16, 2017 at 13:08
More often than not we quote the ‘conditional’ promises of God and forget our part – then we go on to accuse Him of not upholding His part. His promises are always “if you do this, then I WILL do that”… but we mostly tend to conveniently forget our part.
Almost daily I hear “all things work together for my good” … umm NO. All things will work together for our good when we’ve fulfilled the requirements stipulated.
I really love this line from Casting Crowns:
“If your eyes are on the storm, you’ll wonder if I love you still; but if your eyes are on the cross you’ll know that I have and I always will”
An excuse for me to listen to this song again. Love it!
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May 16, 2017 at 13:33
I agree with that. Good song, too. We do have a tendency to forget some things are conditional. Of course our salvation never is, as it is a gift. But…daily? A different story, in that our compliance with His will for us matters greatly. Great thought you added, friend, thanks.
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