How to Trust in the Lord
Daily Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 1-3
Daily Focus Passage: Proverbs 3
Solomon penned a collection of short, pithy statements called the Book of Proverbs. These concise statements provided deep theological truth for the followers of the Lord. Solomon provides insight for living in obedience and faithfulness before the Lord. In Proverbs 3:5-6, Solomon teaches us how to strive to live in a manner that trusts the Lord. As we consider this passage, we must evaluate our lives and see the amount of trust we are living in before the Lord.
WE MUST TRUST IN THE LORD COMPLETELY
Solomon wrote, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart." This declaration reveals that we must trust the Lord from the very core of our being. When we trust the Lord with our hearts, we trust the Lord from the foundational level of our lives. Solomon describes this trust with the term "all." Solomon noted that our trust in the Lord must never be compartmentalized in our hearts, but instead, our trust in the Lord must occupy and dominate all of our hearts.
WE MUST NOT TRUST IN OUR KNOWLEDGE
Solomon continued with, "Do not rely on your understanding." He warned us not to trust our knowledge. He recognized the knowledge of humanity could never match the wisdom of the Lord. Our understanding is limited and flawed by the nature of the flesh. Thus, we must never trust, lean, or rely upon how we believe something must be done. Since we must rely entirely upon the Lord, we must deny the temptation to trust in the ways of the self.
WE MUST ALWAYS ACKNOWLEDGE THE LORD
Solomon charged believers to acknowledge the Lord in all things by stating, "In all your ways, know him." Solomon did not limit the control and authority of the Lord. He sought to live in a manner and challenged believers to live in a manner that every activity reflected the Lord's presence, goodness, and faithfulness. We must strive to acknowledge the Lord in every moment of our lives and every activity because we trust in him completely. This form of living shines the presence of the Lord in us to the world.
WE MUST TRUST THE GOOD GUIDANCE OF THE LORD
Solomon rested in the promise that ”he will make your paths straight.” Solomon knew that the Lord would not allow his children to go astray on the path of life. He knew that the Lord’s leadership was straight and good. We must remember that when we trust the Lord, then we rest in the guarantee that he leads us in goodness, in his ways, and in a manner that is straight according to his will and Word.
As you contemplate the truth presented by the Lord through Solomon, may you consider your level of trust in the Lord. Are you living in complete trust of the Lord? Are you leaning on your knowledge or the Lord's? Are you giving acknowledgment to the Lord in all things? Are you trusting the good guidance of the Lord? How are you at trusting in the Lord?
