“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)
"Sometimes I treat the tiny word ‘all’ in Proverbs 3:6 like a suggestion, not a command. Sometimes, I find myself trusting God with most things—but not everything. Yet when I look back, I see how often leaning on my own understanding led to unnecessary struggles. This struggle isn’t just mine. It’s human nature. God’s people have wrestled with it for centuries."
Even Ezra, faced with the daunting task of leading the Israelites back from exile, had to wrestle with trusting God over human plans. King Artaxerxes’ decree allowed Ezra to lead the Israelites from exile to Jerusalem, providing provisions from the royal treasury and permission to appoint judges and magistrates. However, he was faced with a critical decision: to trust God before beginning their journey to Jerusalem.
As they assembled before departing, Ezra said he was ashamed to ask for military protection for the journey. He had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” (Ezra 8:22) Instead, they stopped, fasted, and prayed to God, who answered their prayers and safely protected them on their journey.
Today, when you are tempted to lean on your own understanding instead of God’s, take a moment to pause, pray, and entrust that part of your life to Him.
Prayer Prompt: Dear Lord, As I face today, I am placing all my trust in you. When I am tempted, remind me of your great promises. Let me hold nothing back. When I doubt whether I have what it takes, you do. Let me not place my confidence in myself, but in you.
Song of the day: Trust In You - Lauren Daigle
