In proverbs chapter 3, King Solomon gave some commands and explained some additional benefits: of acquiring wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Solomon told his readers that if they found wisdom, they would add many years to their life. It’s interesting to note that the odd numbered versus give commands; WHILE, the even numbered versus gives a promise or the benefit that results from the command. They would find favor and would have a good reputation in the eyes of God, and of man.
Solomon continued teaching the people. He said that if they were wise, they would do certain -practical things. According to this passage, Solomon instructed them first to trust in the Lord with all of their heart and if they did this then God would direct their path. Next, for them to honor the Lord and give Him the first portions of everything and everything they produced. Then, he proceeded to inform God’s children that if they were wise they would not despise the father’s discipline, they would not without good from those who deserved it, they would not envy, or be violent.
The most important verses in this chapter are
Proverbs 3:5 and 6 which state, ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.’
Today’s message is very, very, simple. This week, financially pressed, God spoke to my spirit: trust me. So, the message today is too simple words: trust God! To trust anything or anyone other than the Lord results in Disaster! To lean is a synonym for trust!
Yes, I know some of you think: how boring. But if I could give you some advice, for this week, it would simply be: to trust God. We have heard these two words, over, and over again. Throughout our life in Sunday school, and in church, but today let’s settle it in our heart. Let’s simply: trust God..
Of course, over the next week and maybe over the next year these two simple words will prove to be difficult? I have no way of knowing what the future holds. The future may hold in justice for you. The future may hold sickness or despair. Perhaps, we may leave here and hear terrible news. Perhaps, something in our life may catch fire, but with all the wickedness and bad in the world the best advice is still, to simple, little words, trust God!
So, let’s read the following scripture together:
Prov.3 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Some, of you learn med this Scripture in vacation Bible school And some of you learned it in Sunday school, but why do we forget the first three words? – Trust the Lord!
Besides, The phrase: trust in the Lord, the second word that I notice is the word all. We are to do this with our whole heart. We all are to acknowledge God, because he will direct our path. So, if God does not direct your path – the question is: do you trust him with all of your heart and do you acknowledge him in all ways?
Now, I realize that every one of you, reading this post, watching this by Facebook live, or actively present, are very independent people, but we have allowed our independence to set us up for failure.
Our independence creates a self sufficiency attitude. By not trusting God we short circuit this test. We end up diving deeper then we need to go away from God. Thinking: we got ourselves into this mess so, we can get ourselves out of this jam. We rely on our self, so much, that we believe that we can get ourselves out of the mess that we made. We, without thinking call God a liar, because we do not trust him. Then, wow we are in our trouble -We do not turn to God fast enough. We wait till things get so bleak that we give up on life. We forget the truth of Proverbs chapter 3.
We forget that God knows what we have need of before we ask him(Matthew 6:8).
We forget, that God has everlasting arms. (The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. Psalm 90:2)
We forget, that God is in control. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
We forget, that God has our back. (In Isaiah 40:10 it reads, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” )
We forget, that God will supply our very need. (Philippians 4:19And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.)
We forget, that we have been forgiven and set free. (1 John 1:9 we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.)
We forget, that God has ordained our steps. (Psalm 40:2 New International Version says: ” He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
We forget, that we are royalty! (1 Peter 2:9 tells us we “are a chosen people, a ROYAL priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”)
We forget, that we are the apple of God’s heart! (Psalm 17:8 English Standard Version 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;)
We won the victory and overcome death! (1 Corinthians 15:7 King James Bible But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
We forget, that their is no problem too big for God. (Philippians 4:13 says: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”)
The Holy Spirit gave me another problem, that we have, with following this Scripture. When we are out, and about, we form relationships. God wants us to form godly relationships. Sometimes, we find ourselves looking for help in others. We meet doctors, lawyers, people with more money than what we have, great thinkers, authors, and the list goes on and on. But, instead of following what God gave us in his word, here in Proverbs chapter 3, we put our trust in others. The Holy Spirit wants me to warn you and I about putting to much faith in others. Folks, people can and people will let you down. People will kick you when you’re down. People will mock you. People will laugh at you. People will reject you. But Jesus said: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:29).
Another reason why, many of us, do not trust God is that we feel distant from him. I find that statement, a touch or a little bit odd, because we all know that God is the same yesterday, as he is today. When I feel distant from the Lord, his word and his presence during prayer always reassures me. Even Job said the following: “Job 13:15 (King James Version) 15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job, in essence here, says: I will die trusting the Lord. Let us remember that today.
So, everyone experiences doubt, but it’s what we do with that doubt. Do you let it grow, Fester, or does it lead you back to your first love?
Perhaps, the fourth reason that we do not trust in the Lord always – is because we have picked up the awful habit of worrying about everything. Some people worry 24 hours a day. This worrying keeps them up at night and follows them in their dreams as they sleep. This kind of worrying is really not good for you and you need to seek help from the Lord.
The Holy Spirit said, “that if you are worrying you really aren’t trusting me.” Worrying takes our focus off of God and allows the darts of Satan to sting us. Some of us, have a worry list that supersedes the size of our prayer list. God wants us to turn our worry list into our prayer list. We need to stop worrying about having enough food to eat, because the Lord‘s prayer says he will give us our daily bread. We need to stop worrying about finances because scripture tells us that he will supply or need. We need to stop worrying about that next test we have to take, because Scripture tells us that if you like knowledge ask for it. We are so good at worrying that we can hide it, but the fact is: when we worry we don’t trust God. We may never be able to overcome our worries and fears, but we need to be able to walk with God trusting that he will work out our problems.
Remember, 2 Timothy 1:7 say: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.“
Remember, Scripture tells us that God has our best interest in mind. (Romans 8:28 promises that all things work together for our good.)
Remember, that God will make away when there is no way.“1 Corinthians 10:13 but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Remember, God will go before us. (Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”)
Remember, God is always steps ahead of us. (Deuteronomy 31:8 “And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”)
Remember, God knows the beginning from the end. (Isa 46:9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,
Isa 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose)
Remember , God works all things good for his people who love him. (Job said this: 12:13 “With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.”)
We need to trust God!
We need to give God all of our worries and our fears to him. Then, we will be able to push the worrying aside and say: God I trust you and you alone. Only then, will we be free from this strong hold. Worry and fear just holds you back.
I have a friend that won’t drive her carl to a certain shopping Plaza. She is totally dependent on other people to take her to do her errands. She misses out on the freedom to come and go as she wants -amongst other things.
What has your doubts and your fears held you back from? Perhaps, it is held you back from serving others or being obedient to the Spirit. Have you missed out on blessings?
It is easy for us to live in the flesh and be led by it! I’ve put together a little list and if you check off most of the items (answering yes); then, you were living by the flesh.
____ Does your worry, keep you up at night?
_____ Do you doubt biblical principles?
______ When a problem arises do you turn to others before going to God?
______ Do you worry way too much? Do you try to fix your own problems without going to God first?
______ Do you doubt biblical promises?
______ Do you give more attention to worldly council, then you do godly counsel?
______ Do you manipulate and or maneuver situations?
______ Do you step in, and take charge, without being directed by God?
______ Do you cling to others to feel loved? Do you cling to others to feel secure?
How did you measure up today? Do you see how easy it is: not to trust God and to live in the flesh? Are you saddened by the results? If so, God can help you learn to trust him. He is only a Prayer away.
Wouldn’t it be great, over this Lent season, if we could learn to trust God?
To Trust God, no matter what circumstances tell us?
To trust God, no matter what people tell us?
To trust God, based on biblical principles and biblical promises?
To trust God, based on his character?
To trust God, is hen his sovereignty?
And most of all, to trust God with everything?
Can we make an agreement today, that during this Lent season, we will practice trusting God more?
When we do this, God will break through! He will do abundantly more than we ever expected! Sure, we will have worries and fears, but they will be in check. We will be able to sleep more at night and focus on the things of God. We will grow closer to Christ and each other.
Oh, to trust him more.
Surely, we will get closer to God and isn’t that what we desire?
What will you pray about now? Take the time to reach out to Jesus!
