Our Real Need

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

I have been often reminded of these verses lately, and these words has been refreshing to my soul.  One might think the rudimentary principles of the faith are dry and boring, but the reality is quite the opposite.  How much insight and wisdom for life are plainly stated in these verses!  It is one thing to remember or comprehend the meaning of the scripture, but another thing entirely to see it consistently a reality in my life.

Lately I have been considering things I can do to share the truth of Christ with others.  I have much I am already doing, but my heart desires to do more.  There is no no shortage of need in this world, and countless causes which are genuine and worthy of pursuit.  But God has used the process of being prepared for ministry whilst working in a trade and the saga of immigrating to Australia and becoming a citizen to show me I can expend much effort and thought in trying to accomplish myself what only God can do.  He is the One who clearly opens doors and graciously provides the ability to pass through them in His time.  Caleb and Joshua had walked through the land of promise as spies, but it was 40 years later before God led them in as conquerors and caused them to dwell therein.  God sometimes gives us a glimpse of something which moves our hearts with desire and expectancy, but the fulfilment remains in the future.  Faith affirms that in His time, God will bring it to pass - and may even use us in the process.

Proverbs 3:5-6 remains relevant in all seasons of our lives as we follow Jesus.  We need to trust the LORD with all our hearts, with undivided affections and obedience.  It is very easy for us to lean on our own understanding and walk by sight and not by faith in God's Word.  Joshua leaned on God for the victory at Jericho, but leaned on his own understanding and the opinions of men before the failure at Ai.  When we acknowledge God in all our ways, we will walk wisely.  Those who only acknowledge God in areas of their lives work folly as Achan did and corrupt rather than strengthen.  He was obedient to follow the Ark of the Covenant and the priests as they walked around Jericho, but took for himself of the spoil which had been claimed by God as His own.  As we are led by the Spirit of God, abiding in God's love, He will direct our paths; He will make our path clear and straight.  In keeping the Word of God we will rightly discern the will of God.

These verses have renewed the exhortation that I trust God will all my heart and acknowledge God in all my ways.  Leaning on my own understanding leads to confusion, disillusionment, and conflict, but God will direct my paths when I seek Him first.  Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 6:26-33, "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷ Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? ²⁸ So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; ²⁹ and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

Praise God He provides all we need when we seek Him.  He knows what we need, and since our ministry unto Him is His work, He will guide and direct us in the right way without fail.  How glorious it is when we realise our deepest needs and longing are not met by our efforts or sacrifice but are satisfied completely in Him.  Help me to truly learn and remember this Father!