Trusting God
Key Verse
“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 your paths straight.”
– Proverbs 3:5–6
Basic Biblical Understanding
As believers, we’re called to trust God completely. Many of our prayers are captured by the statements, “God, show me…direct me…help me make the right decision…help me know your heart.” In each case, we’re praying for God to guide us. According to Proverbs 3, there are two essential conditions in receiving God’s guidance.
The first condition for receiving God’s guidance is found in verses 1–4. We must learn God’s truth. The will of God is revealed in the Word of God (Colossians 1:9–10), and the only way to know His will is to study His Word. If you’re not studying His Word regularly (preferably daily), you’re missing the first condition for receiving God’s guidance.
The second condition for receiving God’s guidance is found in verses 5 and 7. We must trust God completely. The word “trust” speaks of relying on someone for security; it also means “to lie helpless, facedown.” It’s the picture of a servant ready to obey and waiting for the master’s command.
What gets in the way of us trusting God completely? Verse 5 calls it “leaning on our own understanding.” Leaning on our own understanding is basically saying, “God, I’ve got this. I already know. I already understand. I’ve already figured out an answer.” That’s the motto of someone who is about to miss God’s guidance. This text is not suggesting that believers ignore common sense. It is cautioning us to NOT depend on our own wisdom (or the wisdom of others) over the wisdom of God.
Does God expect us to take His Word over science, academia, our own feelings, or personal convictions? Verse 6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him…” To acknowledge God in all our ways is to recognize His Sovereignty, to know His providence, and to trust His will in all we do.
When believers know God’s truth, are willing to trust God completely, and acknowledge God’s sovereignty, providence, and will in all they do, God promises to make their paths straight. The word “straight” means to level out, to remove obstacles, and to make clear. God clears and straightens the path before them. And unlike the crooked paths of the unrighteous, God’s paths are virtuous, righteous, and good. Will you trust Him?
Verses (ask God to to show you how they apply to your life)
“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.”
– Psalm 56:3
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.”
– Isaiah 26:3
Helpful Questions and Application
Where is God challenging you to trust Him? With that situation in mind, how can you stop leaning on your own understanding and start trusting God completely?
Take a few moments to reflect back on specific times when God protected you from making the wrong decision. What could have happened if you would have “leaned on your own understanding”?
Write out 2 or 3 simple steps that you can do to trust God more. How can you implement those steps immediately?
Additional Resources
Scripture references: Psalm 9:10; Psalm 118:8; Jeremiah 17:7–8; Philippians 4:6–7
WordTruth Article: “What do you Believe? . . . No, Really”