[Photo by Karren McPherson, photographer for Day Share]
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
These verses are very well-known. They have been quoted many times throughout the centuries. They have appeared as texts in pictures which are hanging on walls in many a Christian home.
There are two aphorisms coupled together. An aphorism is a short pithy statement which uses a variety of literary devices to appeal to the reader. The writer has ensured that the saying will be easy to remember.
If we look at the verses we are studying today we will notice that the conjunction 'and' is used in a powerful way. In the first aphorism, we have two brief statements which are coupled together using the word 'and.' The two statements are on the same theme and they help to explain each other. The first statement is positive - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." The second statement is negative as it contains the word 'not.' "Lean not on your own understanding." This is the antithesis or the opposite of the first statement. So we have two opposites: 'the Lord' is contrasted with 'our own understanding.' But there are two terms which more or less mean the same thing - 'trust' and 'lean.' This helpfully gives us more insight into the meaning of the abstract word 'trust.' Are you physically leaning on something as you are reading this blog? Your weight is being supported by some object. That gives us a clue about faith and trust. It means placing our weight on the Lord. I have placed my weight on the chair and this provides a visual image of faith.
The second statement also contains the word 'and.' However, in the second half of the statement, the two parts complement each other and reinforce each other. If we submit to him in all that we do, he will provide guidance. I take that to be the meaning of making our paths straight.
Now that we have performed an analysis of the verse, it is time to learn some lessons from it. I am not surprised that so many Christians have decided to display this beautiful verse in their homes. This verse is at the root of our faith in God. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews states bluntly, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" [Hebrews 11: 6 NIV]
The verses in Proverbs are stating the same truth. If we are earnestly seeking God, we are trusting Him with all our heart and we are submitting all our ways to Him. This is not a half-hearted religion. This is total commitment to God's will in our lives. This involves putting our trust in an unseen God and not relying on our own wisdom or ingenuity. This is stating clearly that He knows best - even when the way seems dark and the future is uncertain. There is a reward highlighted in Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5-6 - He makes our paths straight. This does not mean that there will be no difficulties on our journey through life. This does not imply that we will not encounter trials and tribulations. However, in all of this, as believers in God, we know that we are following the path that God intends for us and that His way is best. We have the assurance of His presence with us all the way.
All the way my Saviour leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy
Who through life has been my guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell;
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
All the way my Saviour leads me;
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread:
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.
All the way my Saviour leads me;
O the fulness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above:
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages,
Jesus led me all the way.
[Fanny Crosby: Believers' Hymn Book 364]
Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash.
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