Proverbs 3:5, 6 - Trust in The LORD And Lean Not unto Thine Own Understanding.
Proverbs 3:5, 6 (KJV) 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.
INTRODUCTION
Trust involves heartfelt confidence in God.
Leaning has the sense of putting your whole weight
on something, resting on and trusting in that
person or thing. When we have an important decision
to make, we sometimes feel that we cant
trust anyone - not even God. But God knows what is
best for us. And he knows even better than we do
what we really want. We must trust him completely
in every choice we make. We should not omit
careful thinking or belittle our God-given ability
to reason; but we should not trust our own
ideas to the exclusion of all others. We must not
be wise in our own eyes. We should always be
willing to listen to and be corrected by Gods
Word and wise counselors. Bring your decisions to
God in prayer, use the Bible as your guide, and
follow Gods leading. He will make your paths
straight by both guiding and protecting you. [Life
Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Total trust in the Lord means you trust
him more than you do your own opinions. Relying
on him to lead you in every decision means you
can confidently walk into the future. Even as
paths are being cleared in the wilderness, he
makes a way for you where you could see none. He
is faithful to guide you, and you will have the
rest which his peaceful presence brings.
Whatever your level of trust is today,
nurture the relationship you have with him. Give him
your time and attention asking him to reveal more
of himself to you. Invite his Spirit to shift
your perspective as he reveals the wisdom of the
Father. Whatever you do, invite him into it. Remain
teachable in his love and follow him. As you do, your
trust will grow.
Choose to trust the Lord more than you
trust your own opinions today. [365 Days of
Courage by Sara Perry of Broadstreet Pub]
COMMENTARY
When we speak of faith, there is a
distinction that should be borne in mind. There is a
kind of belief that is wholly distinct from
faith. The existence and power of God, the truth of
His Word, are facts that even Satan and his
hosts cannot at heart deny. The Bible says that
"the devils also believe, and tremble" (James
2:19); but this is not faith. Where there is not
only a belief in God's Word, but a submission of
the will to Him; where the heart is yielded to
Him, the affections fixed upon Him, there is
faith - faith that works by love and purifies the
soul.
Through this faith the heart is renewed
in the image of God. And the heart that in its
unrenewed state is not subject to the law of God,
neither indeed can be, now delights in its holy
precepts, exclaiming with the psalmist, "O how love I
thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Psalm
119:97). And the righteousness of the law is
fulfilled in us, "who walk not after the flesh, but
after the Spirit" (Romans 8:1).
There are those who have known the
pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be
children of God, yet they realize that their
character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they
are ready to doubt whether their hearts have
been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would
say, Do not draw back in despair. We shall often
have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus
because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are
not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome
by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken
and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the right
hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Said the beloved John, "These things write I unto
you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have
an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous" (1 John 2:1).
And do not forget the words of Christ,
"the Father himself loveth you" (John 16:27). He
desires to restore you to Himself, to see His own
purity and holiness reflected in you. And if you
will but yield yourself to Him, He that hath
begun a good work in you will carry it forward to
the day of Jesus Christ. Pray more fervently;
believe more fully
The less we see to esteem in ourselves,
the more we shall see to esteem in the infinite
purity and loveliness of our Saviour. A view of our
sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon; and when
the soul, realizing its helplessness, reaches
out after Christ, He will reveal Himself in
power. The more our sense of need drives us to Him
and to the Word of God, the more exalted views
we shall have of His character, and the more
fully we shall reflect His image. SC 63-65. {RC
123}
Those who decide to do nothing in any line
that will displease God, will know, after
presenting their case before Him, just what course to
pursue. And they will receive not only wisdom, but
strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be
imparted to them, as Christ has promised. Whatever
was given to Christ--the "all things" to supply
the need of fallen men - was given to Him as the
head and representative of humanity. And
"whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep
His commandments, and do those things that are
pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:22. {DA 668}
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Proverbs 3:5, 6 - Trust in The LORD And Lean
Not unto Thine Own Understanding.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240107-0733.html
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230916-0941.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220804-0853.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210305-0936.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/
