Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses are what the Holy Spirit have used many times (years) in my life. They have been a ‘light to my path’ many times. It became a discipline for many years as I desperately wanted His guidance, direction, favor, and blessing.
Let’s break it down. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart.’ Start everyday with Him. Declare to the heavens with your mouth of your trust and faith in Him. Praise Him for all He has done for you, and for all the things He has given you. Understand with greater humility how much you really have received from Him. Learn to begin your day with real gratefulness to Him.
‘Lean NOT on your own understanding’. We all have plans, ideas, goals, wants, needs, and pursuits. Can you put ALL of those aside each morning and seek HIS plan for you? Can you recognize that you may not really know what’s best for you or your family, and that you need His help and wisdom… today? Can you set aside all those things you think you know, and ask Him to teach you, and show you, what HE wants for you … this day? Can you hear the Holy Spirit’s words to you this morning? Have you planned enough time first thing in the morning to actually hear Him? Can you wait for Him to speak to you? Or are you so rushed in the morning He is pushed aside, or even never thought about? Admit to Him …you need Him. If you have a commute — turn off everything and use that time to converse (Conversational Prayer) with Him.
‘In all your ways acknowledge Him.’ To me this means I ‘carry Him’ with me ALL day and converse with Him about EVERYTHING I encounter and do, asking Him for help. It’s a constant ‘awareness’ of Him ALL day long. It’s a moment by moment conversation with the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit.
‘And He will make straight your paths.’ This can mean SO much. This means to me — He will take an ‘active’ role in my life and day for MY benefit. Because I am putting Him first in ALL things in my day and life, He will guide me and work on my behalf to lead me to the places and things He wants for me. Sometimes you will ‘see’ Him work on your behalf, and it truly is amazing to watch. When I’m in the right ‘alignment’ with Him in my day — my days are definitely easier to navigate and go through. My attitudes and efforts always seem more filled with His fruit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Please understand …that what will happen may not be what you expect or even want. But as you have surrendered your day to Him – the results and harvest is in His hands. You now can rest because you’ve been in the ‘yoke’ with Him all day and following His lead. You can accept His joy and peace as you’re learning to actually give it ALL to Him .. each day.