#273 Step by Step
Proverbs 3.5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I had some strong reactions to a family business meeting we had last week. That night Proverbs 3:5-6 came to mind. And I realized: I have a choice. I can support myself on my own narrow negative story which causes emotional misery, or I can trust the God who keeps His covenant and trust His view and His possibilities. As soon as this thought came to mind I was able to let go of my exceedingly negative way of looking at our business meeting discussion and became open to His perspective.
The word trust mean to ‘hie’ or hurry for refuge. When we begin to feel the onslaught of negativity we need to quickly seek refuge in His truth and perspective.
In all your ways acknowledge Him:
The word ‘ways’ is Strong’s #1870: a road, as trodden; figuratively a course or mode of life. Acknowledge him (#3045) or know by seeing, by observation, care, recognition. As we travel on this road of life there are certain things we can do to acknowledge and see Him through spiritual awareness and observation:
*Watch for His signs and observe His indications: The business meeting that I reacted to was God’s way of bringing perspectives to my attention that must be considered and decided upon.
*Study the map by applying the Word. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
*Become a tracker in order to trace the footsteps of Christ: Jesus is our map that leads to the destination of life. He is the way, the truth and the life. John 14:6 Study the map, the life and principles of Christ and seek in prayer to live according to those principles.
*Follow one step at a time: The book of Proverbs was not written in the day and age of Lamborghini speed. The primary mode of transportation on a road was by foot. We are used to getting places fast. We want to know immediately. But the counsel here is to slow down and get where we are going step by step, with the guidance and companionship of God and Christ at every step. Psalm 37:23; 119:133
And he will direct your paths
The word direct is Strong’s #3474: to be straight or even, figuratively to be or to make right, pleasant, prosperous. He will reveal the path and make the path that He indicates do-able with the outcome of spiritual growth and blessing.
"And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,
This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." Isaiah 30:21
If we have come to the forks of the road--to some crisis in our experience--and know not whether to turn to the right or to the left, we should stop at once and listen to the voice. Or, in other words, we should turn at once to the Word of the LORD, and by pondering its precepts and principles, and its illustrations bearing on the perplexing subjects, seek to learn the will of the LORD, asking also the leading of His Spirit, and endeavoring to bring the mind into a loving, submissive and trustful attitude. R 1753
We can take each next step with confidence because we are open to acknowledge Him.
No path that He directs is impossible for us to travel! Each next step is doable by Grace.
Proverbs 3.5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I had some strong reactions to a family business meeting we had last week. That night Proverbs 3:5-6 came to mind. And I realized: I have a choice. I can support myself on my own narrow negative story which causes emotional misery, or I can trust the God who keeps His covenant and trust His view and His possibilities. As soon as this thought came to mind I was able to let go of my exceedingly negative way of looking at our business meeting discussion and became open to His perspective.
The word trust mean to ‘hie’ or hurry for refuge. When we begin to feel the onslaught of negativity we need to quickly seek refuge in His truth and perspective.
In all your ways acknowledge Him:
The word ‘ways’ is Strong’s #1870: a road, as trodden; figuratively a course or mode of life. Acknowledge him (#3045) or know by seeing, by observation, care, recognition. As we travel on this road of life there are certain things we can do to acknowledge and see Him through spiritual awareness and observation:
*Watch for His signs and observe His indications: The business meeting that I reacted to was God’s way of bringing perspectives to my attention that must be considered and decided upon.
*Study the map by applying the Word. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
*Become a tracker in order to trace the footsteps of Christ: Jesus is our map that leads to the destination of life. He is the way, the truth and the life. John 14:6 Study the map, the life and principles of Christ and seek in prayer to live according to those principles.
*Follow one step at a time: The book of Proverbs was not written in the day and age of Lamborghini speed. The primary mode of transportation on a road was by foot. We are used to getting places fast. We want to know immediately. But the counsel here is to slow down and get where we are going step by step, with the guidance and companionship of God and Christ at every step. Psalm 37:23; 119:133
And he will direct your paths
The word direct is Strong’s #3474: to be straight or even, figuratively to be or to make right, pleasant, prosperous. He will reveal the path and make the path that He indicates do-able with the outcome of spiritual growth and blessing.
"And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,
This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." Isaiah 30:21
If we have come to the forks of the road--to some crisis in our experience--and know not whether to turn to the right or to the left, we should stop at once and listen to the voice. Or, in other words, we should turn at once to the Word of the LORD, and by pondering its precepts and principles, and its illustrations bearing on the perplexing subjects, seek to learn the will of the LORD, asking also the leading of His Spirit, and endeavoring to bring the mind into a loving, submissive and trustful attitude. R 1753
We can take each next step with confidence because we are open to acknowledge Him.
No path that He directs is impossible for us to travel! Each next step is doable by Grace.
