How do you handle times of uncertainty in your life? It seems that the greater the uncertainty the more stress we may feel. Solomon gives us much needed wisdom in the book of Proverbs,

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)

We see three imperatives in these verses. If we follow these commands, then God will make our make our paths straight. The first command is to trust in the Lord. The word trust conveys the idea taking refuge and therefore being confident and secure. We are to trust with all of our heart. The heart refers to one’s inner person and includes the mind, emotions, and will. We may be prone to turn to empty substitutes rather than to trust in the Lord. A common substitute in our culture is trusting in one’s financial resources for security. Solomon warns us of the folly of trusting in our riches,

He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf. (Proverbs 11:28)

The second command is a prohibition, we are not to lean on our own understanding. Later on in the book of Proverbs we see this warning,

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26)

We may think we know the proper course of action, but God sees the big picture. His plans may not always make sense to us, but He knows what He’s doing,

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For 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).

The third command is that we are to acknowledge Him. The word acknowledge is the word that is often translated to know, especially in an experiential manner. If you follow His instructions, then He will take care of the obstructions.  If you’ve ever been hiking on a circuitous trail with multiple obstacles, then you can appreciate having your way made straight.

How do we develop such trust? Stephen Olford instructs us that trust is fostered as we live in the Scriptures (Romans 10:17), look to the Savior (Hebrews 12:2), and lean on the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Where is your trust? Although your investment portfolio may state, “Past performance is not indicative of future results,” with God His faithfulness in the past is indicative of His faithfulness in the future. As you get to know God, you will find that you can place your trust in Him,

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Psalm 9:10)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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