First Christian Church
By Bruce Humes
Pastor
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.” For most students of the Holy Bible, this is a very familiar verse of Scripture and may even be one that has been put to memory. As I was reading it during one of my morning devotions I began to question myself concerning my commitment to the content of the message. Am I trusting in the Lord with all my heart? And am I leaning on my own understanding rather than his?
I reflected on this current worldwide pandemic. Our communities are gripped in fear, anxiety and stress, and it has changed the way of living completely. I am overwhelmed with confusing and conflicting information, data, opinions, guidelines, policies and procedures from the news media and social media. An endless parade of politicians, doctors, talk show hosts and their guests, athletes, actors, and some real experts in the field of viruses with a long list of credentials behind their name tell me how to deal with this pandemic and live my life. Who do I listen to and put my trust in for the truth? Not knowing or understanding much about viruses myself, I found myself trusting in them, leaning on their understanding which is questionable concerning this virus, and it has been anything but comforting.
Back in verse 1 it said, “My son, do not forget my law, (put it in your mind, memorize it) But let your heart keep my commands.” And in verse 3, “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” These two scriptures gave me a clear message that I was not only to be mindful of God’s laws and instruction, wearing it like a piece of fine jewelry, but it should be part of my life, part of my very being. So in that moment I recommitted myself to that end, to “Trust in the Lord with all my heart, and lean on his understanding.” I’ll follow all the guidelines as set forth by those in charge, but my trust will be in the Lord. He is the one that has a complete understanding of this virus.
The verse goes on to say, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” That’s what I have recommitted to do! To know him in all aspects of my life, and in so doing he will guide my paths. That’s a very comforting promise, regardless of what may be going on, he has promised to lead me as I go.
Perhaps you have found yourself in this area of trusting in or leaning on those who have no clear understanding, and it has caused you fear and anxiety. I would encourage you to put your “Trust in the Lord, and lean on Him, acknowledge Him, and let Him guide your ways, making them smooth and straight.” Psalm 118:8 says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”
If you wish to speak to someone at the church or if you have a need, call the First Christian Church office at (562) 431-8810.
