Adapted from My Cup Runneth Over by Donna K. Maltese
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5–8 AMPC
When you find yourself stressed, confused, uncertain, and under pressure, you may want to consider where you’re placing your trust. Chances are you’re leaning on your own understanding, knowledge, and perspective. Perhaps unknowingly, you’ve taken God out of the equation (stopped those heart-to-heart prayer sessions with Him and overlooked His advice, a.k.a. the Word). Because of seeing things from your own perspective instead of His perspective, you are likely walking down a crooked path, perhaps even losing your way. You’ve substituted God’s all-knowing wisdom with your own very limited knowledge.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NASB)—“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight”—are words to be not only emblazoned on your mind and heart but repeated to yourself at least once a day. They are a vivid reminder that you don’t know everything! They reinforce the fact that your own understanding is so much less dependable than God’s that if you try to lean against it, you’re bound to fall over!
When you begin to realize that all the things you want to fix are under God’s wise, caring, loving, and thoughtful eyes and that He’s the greatest handyman you’ll ever know, you’ll find it easier to breathe. Because suddenly, you realize you don’t have to carry the whole world and its ills upon your shoulders. You were never built for that kind of responsibility anyway.
Make this day the first of many in which you trust in God with all your heart, leaving all your cares and concerns about the past, present, and future with Him. Realize that He can handle this moment in creation and all those to come. So ease up on that white-knuckled grip you’re using, and just let go of everything. God’s got this. God’s got you.
Now you can breathe slowly, easily, calming your heart and your mind, refreshing your spirit and your soul.
Father God, forgive me for thinking I have more wisdom and understanding than You—the Lord of all creation. From here on out, I’m going to trust You, Lord, with all my heart, soul, and mind. I’m leaning on Your wisdom and listening for Your voice to tell me which way to go. In Jesus’ name, amen.