Trust In The Lord – Proverbs 3:5-8

 Today, we turn our hearts to the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-8, a passage that calls us to a life of unwavering trust in our Lord:

“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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.

This is God’s Word, and it cuts straight to the core of what it means to live as His faithful people. Let’s unpack this truth together and see how it challenges us to walk humbly and obediently before our Creator.


1. Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart

The first command is clear: trust in the Lord with all your heart. Not half your heart, not part of it, but all. This is a call to surrender every corner of your life to God. In a world that tempts us to trust in money, power, or our own cleverness, this verse reminds us that true security lies only in the One who made us, redeemed us, and holds us in His hands.

As Christians, you know the Bible is God’s inerrant Word. You know we live in a fallen world where voices shout at us to compromise, to water down our faith. But Proverbs 3:5 says, don’t do it. Don’t split your loyalty between God and the world. Trust Him fully, even when the path ahead looks uncertain. When trials come—sickness, loss, persecution—trust that God is sovereign, and His promises never fail. As Psalm 46:1 declares, He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2. Lean Not on Your Own Understanding

The second part hits hard: lean not on your own understanding. How often do we think we’ve got it all figured out? We make plans, we reason, we rely on our own logic. But Scripture warns us that our understanding is flawed, tainted by sin. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

This is a humbling truth. We don’t have all the answers, and we’re not supposed to. God doesn’t call us to be self-sufficient; He calls us to be dependent on Him. When we face decisions—big or small—let’s stop and pray, asking God to guide us. When the world’s wisdom clashes with God’s Word, we stand firm on Scripture, no matter how foolish it seems to others. As 1 Corinthians 1:25 says, the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men.

3. Acknowledge Him in All Your Ways

Next, we’re told to acknowledge Him in all your ways. This isn’t just about saying a quick prayer before a meal or showing up to church on Sunday. It’s about living every moment with God at the center. Your work, your family, your words, your thoughts—everything must bow to Christ’s lordship.

For us as Christians, this means we don’t compartmentalize our faith. We don’t act one way at church and another way at home or work. We live out God’s truth consistently, whether it’s popular or not. When we acknowledge God in all our ways, He promises to direct our paths. What a comfort! We don’t have to stumble in the dark. God Himself will light our way if we stay faithful.

4. Fear the Lord and Depart from Evil

Finally, verses 7 and 8 urge us: Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Pride is a deadly trap. When we think we’re wiser than God, we’re headed for ruin. But the fear of the Lord—the reverent awe of His holiness—keeps us grounded. It leads us to depart from evil, to turn away from sin and pursue righteousness.

And notice the promise: this path brings health and strength. Now, this isn’t a guarantee of physical healing or endless prosperity. Sometimes God allows suffering to refine our faith, as Job and Paul learned. But a life of fearing God and fleeing sin brings spiritual vitality, peace, and strength to endure whatever comes. As Jesus said in John 10:10, He came that we might have life, and have it abundantly.


So, what does this mean for us today? 

First, examine your heart. Are you trusting God fully, or are you holding back, leaning on your own understanding? Confess any areas where you’ve relied on yourself instead of Him. 

Second, commit to acknowledging God in every part of your life. Let His Word shape your choices, your relationships, your priorities. 

Third, fear the Lord. Hate sin as He hates it, and run from temptation with all your might.

Church, we’re called to be a peculiar people, set apart for God’s glory. In a culture that mocks biblical truth, let’s stand firm, trusting God’s wisdom over man’s. When we do, He’ll direct our paths, strengthen our souls, and use us to shine His light in a dark world.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that guides us. Forgive us for trusting in ourselves and leaning on our own understanding. Teach us to trust You with all our hearts, to acknowledge You in all our ways, and to fear You above all else. Lead us away from evil and into Your truth. Direct our paths, Lord, and make us bold witnesses for Your glory. In Jesus’ holy name, 

Amen.


DMMC 6-23-25

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