Tuesday, March 3, 2015

WISDOM FOR LIFE


One of the most quoted passages from the book of Proverbs is 3:5-6 which is packed with so much wisdom.
“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.” (ESV)

Let’s briefly break this passage down so we can take it in.

1)     “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,…”

Our path of life-long wisdom starts with trusting and loving the Lord God first and his righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33) then we will discover that other things in our lives seem to fall into place nicely.  So the question to ask yourself is, “Just how much do you really trust God”?

2)     “and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Why is it that so often we tend to try to do things our way first?   Then we find ourselves time and time again facing a predicament or challenge we did not count on or anticipate.  Yes we do need to increase our understanding but that should come from God who is willing to provide wisdom if we but ask.   What we need to do is strive to get “our own understanding” in tune with God’s so that our understanding comes from Him.  How can we do that you may ask?  Through prayer, reading God’s Word and the counsel of Godly friends we can increase our understanding to be in harmony with God’s desires.  The real question is, “Where are you leaning?” 

3)    “In all your ways acknowledge him,”

It is one thing to know about God but quite another to actually know God.  Knowing God in your life will be seen by how you declare your relationship with Him.  Do you declare the greatness of God in your life to others, particularly to those outside the church?  Do you acknowledge how God works in your life and give Him praise and credit for His moving in your life?  One thing I think we can all do a better job of is giving praise reports of how God has moved and influenced our lives.   When something wonderful happens that honors God I call it a “God sighting”.  Acknowledging God’s actions and movement in your life with not only draw you closer to Him but encourage others to do the same.   So the question to ask yourself on this is, “What can you acknowledge this week about God”?

4)    “and he will make straight your paths.”

If you want to strive after Godliness you need God to help direct you in the proper way to go.   If you want success to honor God you must be fully committed to God in everything you do.   God has your best interest at heart and you really should want to be where He wants you to be.  A question to ask is “Do you really want to travel the straight and narrow road that God has set before you?”

The Challenge:

Memorize this passage so that you can quickly bring it mind from time to time as a reminder of God’s will for your life and how to walk in Godly wisdom.

“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.” (ESV)

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