Trust the Lord

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

This is a true favorite. When life becomes challenging, confusing or illogical, remember these words from Proverbs chapter 3. Trust in the Lord, your creator, and do not attempt to solve the complex equation of life, especially on your own. This is very tempting of course, but can we really be that naive to think that we can rearrange all of life’s circumstances? I assure you that there is a larger force moving the pieces around– so why not “submit” to the Lord and straighten out the present crooked path?

Later in Proverbs chapter 3, it continues to say:

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Now, I know we can all relate to being disciplined by our parents, but what’s this about being disciplined by the Lord?  Yes!  If we are to learn and gain wisdom during this journey, sometimes it will take discipline from the Lord.  Wait, I know you’re probably thinking “oh no… I’ve done some bad stuff in the past… is that all going to come back in lashings, etc. from the Lord?”.  Well, first thing’s first– rid your mind of fearful thoughts and embrace the Love of God which is ever-present and the source of all of creation (including you!).  Then, remember the first verse above — trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  Yes, I know this may be hard at first, but perhaps this is the very lesson you needed to learn today.  Either way, as the verse says, you are loved by the Lord and this is why you may receive divine discipline.  But, please know that the Lord delights in you, his loved creation.  To straighten our paths (which I know I’ve needed several times and may need several more), we need to learn through discipline.  Don’t despair though– more on this later.