“Lean not on your own understanding”

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (NKJV)

This has long been a favorite scripture of mine. And I’m grateful to be able to come to it again and again when I need to recalibrate. By the grace of God, I “know” trusting Him and acknowledging Him is not just crucial but actually singularly foundational to a purposeful journey in Christ. But there are still times when I act like I don’t really “believe” it. In other words, I still do a fair amount of leaning on my own understanding.

I have a natural tendency, even some natural ability, to problem solve, so this is my default to cope. And, being in my mid fifties, I’ve accumulated the knowledge that comes with decades of life experience. Namely, the longer you live the less you know – about anything. So, why do I persist in trusting my own understanding, when there is heavenly wisdom available to me through prayer? (James 1:5)

When I depend on my own powers of logic, my own ability to reason, my own perspective, it usually means that I have missed an opportunity to acknowledge Him in some area. It also reveals a lack of submission to His rule and often results in second-guessing, anxious thoughts, and insecurity.

Lord Jesus you are the way, the truth and the life. You alone can lead me in the way everlasting. You are entirely trustworthy, no matter what I see with my natural eye, or understand with my intellect, or perceive with my intuition. Grant, Father, that wisdom to live in this present age would be mine through Christ who sent His Spirit to lead me into all truth. I want to know you as you really are and live in the light of your redeeming love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Dear friends and sojourners, are there any areas in your life (either circumstantial or relational) where you are leaning on your own understanding? Spend some time this week rehearsing His faithfulness to you. Acknowledge His Lordship, His trustworthiness, His sovereign rule and receive the peace that passes understanding.

Until next week, may the peace of God be upon you to guard your heart and mind.