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Thursday, December 30, 2010 A rural winter scene in Michigan. (Photo by Howard Blichfeldt) Listen to this message on your audio player. "Trust In The Lord" "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5,6). We’ve chosen a proverb for our focus today; one that is often quoted for those who are graduating or about to embark on a new path. It's also a verse that brings assurance to our hearts no matter where we are on life's journey. The book of Proverbs is full of wise sayings, easily memorized, that will keep us on the right track as we apply them to our lives. I still recall a Bible College definition of a Proverb being a "short pithy saying." It is listed in the Microsoft Office dictionary system with synonyms such as "terse, to the point, succinct." In an overall sense this Proverb always speaks to our situation. However there are those acute times when we desperately need the Lord’s specific direction and this verse becomes even more directive and meaningful in our lives. Most all of our readers today are dealing with the inconstancies of life such as a financial crisis, a difficulty at work, an unemployment situation, a troubling family matter or a major health concern that lies heavily on their hearts. In just the last couple days we’ve heard from:
This wonderful Proverb has three commands followed by a promise: 1) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Trust requires us to have faith and confident assurance that God is working through a matter. It is not the circumstance or our own heart that we place our trust in, but the object of our trust is "in the Lord." Are we to partially trust God and partially rely on our own abilities or wisdom? Not really! God want us to trust Him with all our heart. 2) “Lean not on your own understanding.” I consider the times when I thought I understood a matter, only to find out later I was wrong. When we lean on our own understanding we often get things wrong. We may start to worry, become afraid, or grow desperate and then we begin to make huge mistakes, make wrong choices, etc. Our understanding is always limited, often flawed, and cannot give us an accurate view of the future. 3) “In all your ways acknowledge Him.” In our thoughts, our speech, and our actions may others see that God is the central figure of our lives. Let there be no doubt as to Who or what motivates us to do what we do and say what we say. May Christ be preeminent in everything we do. For me it's not at all hard to comprehend the meaning of these three clauses, but consistent personal application is another matter!
After nearly 40 years of walking with the Lord I am still trying to fully apply this verse. Frankly, I expect to do so until I receive the upward call. But I can testify to the veracity of God’s promise. He directs my paths and I have an assurance that He always will as I trust Him wholeheartedly. Today I encourage each reader to accept this truth in regard to your own situation and rejoice with me in His steadfast love and care. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, when I lean on my own understanding I fall prey to thinking in the natural and limit the work of the supernatural. But when I trust You with all my heart I leave no room for second guessing. Today I want to acknowledge Your presence in every area of my life…family, work, relationships, health, intellect and every other area of my life. You will bring to pass the plans You have for me as I wholeheartedly trust You for all that concerns me. Amen. Yesterday we also drove by Messiah College in Grantham, PA. For many years I have been blessed by this two word phrase on their sign, "Christ Preeminent" Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources Click on the link to open and play. (In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.) "Trust In The Lord" Video Don Moen "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" Video Casting Crowns Permissions:
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