LW Baptist
By Rolland Coburn
Pastor
God’s word throughout the Bible holds precious promises for his people, regardless of background. Proverbs 3:5-6 holds one of those promises. This is the promise with its condition, “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 your paths straight.”
Faith, trusting in God and his word, is the primary condition for the Lord’s guidance, because you cannot trust someone you don’t know. Without faith it is impossible to please God, because whoever comes to God must believe that he is, and that he rewards those who seek him (Hebews 11:6).
Asked who made the moon, our then 2 year old granddaughter first answered, “Daddy,” then “Mama.” We told her Jesus made the moon, as the Bible says in John 1:3,10. She then understood Jesus as the creator, because at each meal with us she gave thanks to Jesus. Faith is taking God at his word because of who he is. When he speaks, we are to respond to him with faith. Believers have God’s spirit; so we may know the things freely given to us by God.
One of those gifts is receiving God’s divine guidance for our lives. Of course we are mostly inclined to lean on our own understanding, as Scripture warns. So we are told to look to the Lord for guidance for everything, not just the big decisions.
Our understanding of God should be informed by Scripture: “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path,” (Psalm 119:105). We need to ask daily for God’s wisdom, nothing doubting, (James 1:5-6). Trust him to adjust your plans according to his will (James 4:15) and look to him to provide for your physical needs: “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Put yourself under his protecting wing: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Realize that as God’s redeemed child you are under his providential care and intervention. His providence is one complex plan that overrules and disposes all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). In other words, his guidance will help you to grow in his grace. So don’t forget to express your appreciation. Thank him, praise him.
