How to Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart
“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
Introduction
William Carey was known as the "father of modern missions.” Born in England in 1761, he went on to become a Baptist missionary to India where he spent most of his life translating the Bible, spreading Christianity, and pioneering various social reforms. Carey faced numerous trials throughout his life. He overcame them by trusting in God with his whole heart.
Before he became a missionary, Carey worked as a cobbler. His family often struggled with poverty and hardship. But Carey believed in the providence of God. He trusted in God's guidance and provision, which gave him the strength to continue his pursuit of knowledge and theological studies despite the adversities.
In his early years, Carey faced opposition from his own church for his missionary zeal. He was told by a senior church member, "When God pleases to convert the heathen, he'll do it without consulting you or me." Yet, he continued to trust in God's calling. He responded with the now famous phrase, "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God."
When he arrived in India, he faced immense difficulties. This included cultural barriers, resistance to conversion, and even a lack of resources. But Carey had a deep conviction that he was fulfilling God's plan, and this belief sustained him. He learned local languages, translated the Bible, and introduced social reforms like fighting against sati (the practice of widow burning).
Carey experienced personal loss and tragedy, including the death of his wife Dorothy and some of his children. He also faced mental health issues in his family, with Dorothy suffering from severe mental illness. Despite these personal trials, Carey continued to trust in God, believing that God had a greater plan and would provide the strength needed to face these trials.
In 1812, a fire at the print shop destroyed many of Carey's translations and manuscripts. It was a devastating loss, but Carey's trust in God remained steadfast. He rebuilt the print shop and continued his work, saying, "In the midst of sorrow, I have been comforted by the hope that the Lord is good."
Throughout his life, Carey demonstrated an unwavering trust in God. His legacy lies not just in his missionary work, but also in his steadfastness in the face of trials and tribulations. He overcame these by continually returning to his faith and trust in God's providence and plan. His trust in God serves as an exemplary application of Proverbs 3:5-6, “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.”
The following devotional on Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us how to place our whole-hearted trust in God.
The Historical and Literary Context of Proverbs 3:5-6
Solomon's reign (970-931 B.C.) was one of the most prosperous and peaceful periods in Israel's history. Having inherited a united kingdom from his father, David, Solomon was known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, including the construction of the first Temple in Jerusalem.
In this era of relative peace and prosperity, there was an opportunity for wisdom literature to flourish. Solomon, known for his God-given wisdom, is traditionally recognized as the author of Proverbs. The book served as a guide for ethical and moral living, focusing on practical wisdom for everyday life.
Proverbs 3 offers wisdom teaching in the form of a father instructing his son. It follows the format of "If you do this, then this will happen" showing the natural consequences of living according to God's wisdom or neglecting it.
When looking at Proverbs 3:5-6 within the context of the whole chapter, it's clear that these verses serve as a focal point for the principles surrounding them. The opening verses (1-4) emphasize remembering and internalizing wisdom and commandments, and the rewards that come with it - prolonged life, peace, and favor with both God and man. This sets the stage for the exhortation to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, suggesting that such trust is central to the acquisition and application of divine wisdom.
Following our focal verses, the text continues to illustrate the tangible benefits and outcomes of living in fear of the Lord, adhering to His discipline, honoring Him with our resources, and embracing wisdom. The recurring theme is the tangible blessings that come from living according to God's wisdom - health, prosperity, peace, safety, and divine protection. These themes provide a backdrop that emphasizes the practical implications of trust in God as depicted in Proverbs 3:5-6.
In essence, Proverbs 3:5-6 serves as a key principle within the broader context of the chapter, encapsulating the underlying wisdom of the text: Human understanding is fallible and limited, but God's wisdom is reliable and leads to a blessed life. Trust in God, therefore, forms the bedrock of acquiring and living out divine wisdom.
How to Trust God with All Your Heart
Trusting God with all your heart involves a holistic surrender and commitment to God's wisdom and guidance. Here's what it entails according to different sections of Proverbs chapter three:
Keep God's Commands (Proverbs 3:1-4)
Trusting God wholeheartedly begins with embracing His teachings and commands. It involves storing His laws within your heart, demonstrating love and faithfulness, and seeking His approval above all else.
Rely on God's Wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-8)
The verses explicitly call us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to lean on our own understanding. This involves recognizing the limitations of human wisdom and leaning on God's perfect wisdom instead. Trusting God means submitting to Him in all our ways, knowing that He will guide us on the right path.
Honor God with our Resources (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Trusting God with all our heart also entails honoring Him with our wealth and firstfruits, an act of faith demonstrating that we trust God with our resources and believe in His provision.
Accept God’s Discipline (Proverbs 3:11-12)
Trusting God wholeheartedly includes accepting His discipline and correction. It requires understanding that God's rebuke is a form of His love and care, meant for our growth and improvement.
Value Wisdom (Proverbs 3:13-20)
To trust God with all our heart, we must recognize the value of wisdom, which originates from God Himself. We are to see wisdom as more profitable than wealth and more precious than jewels, trusting that in wisdom, we find life, peace, and favor from God.
Live Righteously (Proverbs 3:21-35)
The chapter concludes with an exhortation to keep wisdom and discretion at the forefront, leading to a life of safety and peace. It also encourages right and just actions towards others, denounces envy and wickedness, and affirms God's blessings on the righteous and the wise. All these represent different facets of trusting God wholeheartedly.
In essence, to trust God with all your heart as portrayed in Proverbs 3 means to wholly commit to God's teachings and wisdom, to honor Him with our resources, to accept His discipline, to value wisdom highly, and to live righteously. This trust leads to God's favor, protection, and guidance, aligning our lives with His will and purposes.
The Meaning of Proverbs 3:5-6
With a proper understanding of the historical and literary context of Proverbs 3 behind us, let’s turn our attention to the specific meaning of Proverbs 3:5-6.
Total Trust in God
“Trust in God with all your heart;" this phrase presents an all-encompassing, whole-hearted commitment to God. It means completely relying on God's wisdom, even when circumstances challenge our understanding or when God’s ways appear mysterious and unsearchable. It entails a faith that penetrates every facet of our being, influencing our decisions, shaping our desires, and inspiring our actions.
In the context of Solomon's peaceful and prosperous reign, there might have been a temptation for Israelites to trust in their visible prosperity or human wisdom, much like today. Yet, Solomon, with all his wisdom, wealth, and success, emphasized in his teachings the centrality of trusting in God. He recognized that all his blessings were from God and that God's wisdom surpasses even the greatest human understanding.
The Dangers of a Divided Heart
The opposite of “Trusting in God with all your heart” is having a divided heart. In a spiritual sense, having a divided heart refers to being torn between different loyalties or priorities. It is a condition where a person's affections, attention, or commitment are split between serving God and other pursuits. This could be worldly desires, personal ambitions, or even dependence on one's own understanding rather than relying on God. In essence, a divided heart does not fully embrace God's will or His commandments because other allegiances or distractions dilute its devotion.
While Solomon taught other’s to “trust God with all their heart,” he didn’t practice what he preached. Solomon suffered from a divided heart. Solomon allowed his foreign wives to turn his heart after their gods. The Bible describes this by saying, "his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God" (1 Kings 11:4). In this context, a divided heart led Solomon away from complete obedience to God. We should heed Solomon’s warning. There are many dangers that come with trusting our own understanding instead of putting our faith in God.
In a broader sense, a divided heart can be a significant obstacle to spiritual growth and intimacy with God. It hampers our ability to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind," as commanded in Matthew 22:37. A divided heart prevents us from fully surrendering to God's will, inhibits our trust in Him, and ultimately, can lead us into paths that are not in alignment with His best for us.
Overcoming a divided heart involves conscious, intentional efforts to align our desires, ambitions, and actions with God's word and His purposes. It involves seeking God's kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), setting our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2), and relying on the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness and guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Knowing right from wrong, and obeying God’s instructions do not always go hand in hand. We need God’s grace to transform our hearts, bringing our hearts in alignment with God’s truth.
The Dangers of Self-Reliance
"Lean not on your own understanding." This warning rings as true today as it did during Solomon's time. The human heart can be deceitful, and our understanding is limited and imperfect. Solomon, despite his renowned wisdom, knew the perils of relying solely on human understanding. As history shows, Solomon's reliance on his own wisdom led to his downfall, showing us that even the wisest among us can err when we trust in ourselves rather than in God.
Pride
When we trust in our own understanding, we may become proud and self-sufficient, thinking that we can handle things on our own. This can lead us to rely on our own abilities and resources, rather than trusting in God’ provision. Pride can also cause us to view ourselves as more capable or wise than we actually are, leading us to make poor decisions.
Disobedience
When we trust in our own understanding, we may be more likely to go against God's commands or disregard His guidance. We may think that we know better or that we have a better plan, but when we go against God's will, we risk facing consequences and missing out on His blessings.
Lack of peace
Trusting in our own understanding can lead to anxiety and worry, as we try to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life on our own. When we rely on God, however, we can experience His peace and rest, even in difficult circumstances (Isaiah 26:3).
Lack of direction
When we trust in our own understanding, we may lack direction and purpose in life. We may wander aimlessly or make poor choices, because we are not seeking or following God's guidance. When we trust in God, however, He promises to give us guidance and direction.
Overall, trusting in our own understanding can lead to pride, disobedience, a lack of peace, and a lack of direction. It is important to trust in the Lord and seek His wisdom and guidance in all things.
Biblical Examples of Self-Reliance
Numerous biblical figures illustrate the consequences of relying on their own wisdom and disregarding God's instructions. Driven by hubris, their decisions resulted in unfavorable outcomes. These instances should resonate with us, serving as cautionary tales against self-reliance and the neglect of divine guidance.
Adam and Eve
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were given the choice to trust in God's wisdom or trust in their own. They chose to trust in their own understanding and disobey God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:6). As a result, they brought sin and death into the world and experienced shame and brokenness in their relationship with God.
King Saul
King Saul was the first king of Israel, and he was chosen by God to lead the people. However, rather than seeking God's guidance and following His will, Saul often trusted in his own wisdom and made decisions that went against God's commands. For example, he disobeyed God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions (1 Samuel 15:3), and as a result, he lost the favor of God and eventually lost his kingdom.
Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus's disciples, but he trusted in his own wisdom and made the decision to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This decision ultimately led to Jesus's death and Judas's own demise.
How to Submit to God
"In all your ways submit to Him," This verse depicts a life committed to God in every way, where every decision, every action, every aspect of our life submits to God's guidance. This submission is not passive but requires an active commitment to seek God's will in everything we do. Learning to trust God wholeheartedly doesn't happen overnight. Submission is a process that involves several steps:
Internalize God's Wisdom
We learn to trust God as we internalize His teachings, as Proverbs 3:1-4 instructs. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we gain a greater understanding of God's character and His ways.
Pray for Wisdom
Solomon himself asked God for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9), showing us the importance of seeking wisdom from God through prayer. Asking God for wisdom acknowledges our dependence on Him and our need for His guidance.
Practice Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is an exercise in trust. As we choose to obey God, even when it's difficult or counter-intuitive, we develop a deeper trust in His wisdom and goodness.
Embrace God's Discipline
Proverbs 3:11-12 remind us not to despise God's discipline. Trials and challenges often serve as opportunities for us to learn to trust God more deeply.
See God's Faithfulness
Reflecting on God's past faithfulness can strengthen our trust in Him. Just as Israel could look back on their history and see God's provision, we can reflect on our own lives and see how God has guided, provided for, and protected us, increasing our trust in Him for the future.
Receive God’s Grace
Receiving God's grace is a vital part of trusting Him with all our heart. Grace is God's unmerited favor towards us, His loving-kindness that extends forgiveness and salvation.
Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." By receiving His grace, we acknowledge our own inability to earn God's favor or work our way to salvation.
This humility opens our hearts to trust in God's goodness, mercy, and love. It also brings us into a deeper understanding of His character and the magnanimity of His love for us, thereby strengthening our faith in Him and the assurance of His guidance and care in our lives.
Surrender to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God's personal presence in our lives today. Submitting to God involves an intentional surrendering to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This surrendering is a critical aspect of trusting God with all our heart.
Galatians 5:16 says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in obedience to Christ's commands, enabling us to overcome the desires of our sinful nature. He guides us, convicts us of wrongdoing, and empowers us to live according to God's will.
As we submit to the Holy Spirit, He enables us to fulfill Christ's commands, transforming us into His image and empowering us to live a life that is pleasing to God. This spiritual submission, therefore, is essential for trusting God completely and experiencing the abundant life that comes from following Christ.
The Promise of Straight Paths
“And He will make your paths straight.” The assurance of "straight paths" is an integral part of this biblical instruction. To the people of ancient Israel, the phrase would evoke visuals of a clear, unhindered pathway through the rocky terrain of the Judean wilderness. The straight path is symbolic of a life under God's favor and guardianship. Making a straight path is symbolic of preparing one’s heart to receive the promises of God.
Isaiah 40:3-4 is a significant prophecy often associated with the advent of the Messiah, with John the Baptist seen as the one calling in the wilderness and preparing the way.
The metaphor of "making straight in the desert a highway for God, every valley being lifted up, and every mountain and hill being made low" is a poetic way to describe making a clear and unobstructed path. This is a way of saying that every obstacle to God's arrival is being removed. In ancient times, preparing a way for a king often involved literal roadwork, where rough paths were made smooth for the king's procession.
Spiritually speaking, this metaphor symbolizes the preparation that occurs in human hearts as they turn towards God. The "valleys" can be seen as places of deficit in our lives, areas of sin or spiritual emptiness that need to be "filled up" or corrected. The "mountains and hills" made low could represent the obstacles or barriers to accepting God, whether that be pride, self-reliance, or disobedience, which need to be humbled or removed.
In essence, this verse is about making the way clear for God's presence and work. It's about repentance, transformation, and readiness to receive God's salvation. In the New Testament, this passage is specifically connected to the ministry of John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way for Jesus, calling people to repentance and readiness for the coming of the Messiah.
In Isaiah 40:3-4, the prophet speaks of preparing the way for the Lord by making straight in the desert a highway for God, every valley being lifted up, and every mountain and hill being made low, to make the uneven ground become level and the rough places a plain. Here, the straight path again symbolizes the divine plan unfolding without hindrances, showing God's power to remove obstacles and create a clear path for His purposes.
Examples of People who Trusted God and Received His Blessing
Abraham, David, and Mary are exceptional examples of individuals who entrusted themselves to God's providence and received God’s divine blessings in return.
Abraham
Abraham is a paradigm of faith. He heeded God's calling to abandon his homeland and journey towards an unknown destination, with only God's promise as his guide (Genesis 12:1). His trust in God was poignantly showcased when he agreed to sacrifice his son Isaac, demonstrating his firm belief in God's promise and his divine provision (Genesis 22:1-19).
Abraham's steadfast faith and obedience were met with great blessings. God made a covenant with Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. He was also promised that through his offspring, all nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 22:17-18). This promise was fulfilled through Isaac, Abraham's son, and ultimately through Jesus Christ, a direct descendant of Abraham.
David
David faced many challenges and enemies throughout his life, but he always trusted in God's protection and guidance. When David was being pursued by King Saul, he trusted that God would deliver him and provide a way of escape (1 Samuel 23:14). David also trusted in God's sovereignty and relied on Him to fight his battles, as demonstrated in his victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17).
David's trust in God bore the fruit of victory and protection. God delivered him from all his enemies, including Goliath and King Saul. Furthermore, God made a covenant with David, promising that his lineage would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). This promise was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Son of David.
Mary, the mother of Jesus
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would bear a son, she responded with faith and trust, saying, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Mary trusted in God's plan and purpose for her life, even though it was difficult and required great sacrifice. She relied on Him for strength and guidance as she carried out His will.
Mary's faith and submission to God's will were met with the unique blessing of becoming the mother of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Her faithfulness allowed her to play a pivotal role in God's salvation plan. Furthermore, Mary is honored among generations as blessed (Luke 1:48), a testament to the divine favor she received.
Application for Today
In our contemporary world, the principles of Proverbs 3:5-6 are as relevant as ever. Trusting in God isn't always easy in a world that emphasizes self-reliance and celebrates human wisdom. We may be tempted to rely on our abilities, knowledge, or resources, particularly when life is comfortable and prosperous.
However, it's in the crucible of trials and uncertainties that we often learn to trust God more deeply. In times of health crises, economic instability, or personal loss, we learn that our understanding is limited and that we need God's wisdom and guidance. In the face of life's complexities, we're reminded of the essential truth in Solomon's admonition - to trust God with all our heart, leaning not on our understanding, and to submit all our ways to Him.
Trusting God wholeheartedly means allowing God's wisdom to guide our career choices, financial decisions, relationships, and every aspect of our lives. It means seeking His guidance in the mundane daily decisions as well as the monumental ones. It also involves embracing His discipline as a loving act intended to shape us more into His likeness.
This way of living requires humility, acknowledging that we don't have all the answers and that we need God's guidance. Yet, it promises a life of peace and blessing, a life under the loving guidance of a wise and faithful God who has our best interests at heart.
Conclusion
When we trust in our own understanding rather than seeking and following God's will, we risk making decisions that go against God’s will. We may think we are doing what is in our best interest, but those decisions ultimately bring negative consequences into our lives. It is important to trust in the Lord and seek His guidance and wisdom in all things. When we do, God promises to prepare the way before us, helping us to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life.
A Prayer for an Undivided Heart
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today acknowledging my need for Your guidance and wisdom. I recognize the divisions within my heart, the times I have relied on my own understanding instead of turning to You. I am deeply aware of the times I have prioritized my desires and ambitions over Your divine will. I confess these to You now, asking for Your forgiveness and grace.
Lord, I long for an undivided heart, one that seeks You first, loves You fully, and desires Your will above all else. I yearn to trust in You with all my heart, leaning not on my own understanding, but submitting all my ways to You.
I pray for Your Spirit to mold and shape me, aligning my desires with Your own. May You become my first love, my highest ambition, and my deepest desire. Help me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and in doing so, to experience the wholeness and purpose You desire for me.
Teach me to discern Your voice amidst the noise of the world, and to follow Your guidance even when the path seems unclear. When I am tempted to stray, remind me of Your steadfast love and faithfulness.
I trust that as I yield my heart to You, You will make my paths straight. I rest in Your promise, and look forward to the peace, clarity, and direction that comes from putting You at the center of my life.
I pray all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, and my Lord. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
1. How have you experienced God’s blessing when you trusted in Him whole-heartedly?
2. In what areas of your life do you have a divided heart? Are there any areas of your life that you have withheld from God?
3. When do you tend to rely on your own understanding?
4. What steps do you need to take to fully surrender to the Holy Spirit?
5. How can you begin to acknowledge the Lord in all your ways, trusting in His guidance whole-heartedly?
