In Proverbs 3:5,6 the Lord tells us that if we trust in him with all our heart, leaning not to our own understanding but acknowledging him in all our ways then the Lord will direct our path.
Notice that there are two principles at work here which must occur in order for us to recieve direction from God.
The first is to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
Trust in the Hebrew is bâţach which means to
Make your refuge, to trust, be confident in and to hope in.
That little word has a big picture.
Let’s start with making the Lord our refuge. A refuge is a sheltered place from danger or trouble.
What the Lord is saying is that we need to make Jesus our refuge. He must be our covering. Our fortress in the storm and strong tower from the enemy.
We make the Lord our refuge because we trust and have confidence in him. He is our only hope.
We must trust in him with our whole heart. That is with all our mind, will, emotions, and understanding rather than relying on our own understanding.
Secondly, we must acknowledge the Lord in all our ways. Acknowledge is yâda in the Hebrew.
Yâda‛means more than just giving an acknowledgement.
It means to know, to understand, to perceive to consider.
This speaks loud of intimate relationship.
In fact the word yâda‛ is the same word used in Genesis 4:1 Adam knew or yâda‛ his wife and she bore a son.
To acknowledge is to know intimately. Yâda‛
In order for the Lord to direct our life we must be in a trusting relationship that is so intimate that it’s like the relationship between a man and a woman in marriage.
Christians or even non Christians complain that God is not directing them. He doesn’t care about what happens to their lives. Why did God allow this or that? Where is God? They often ask.
For God to direct our life then we must be in a marriage relationship with him. We must be intimate with him.
A marriage relationship isn’t a once a week commitment or a half hearted relationship. It is a full time commitment! One based on love and respect. Time put in and much sacrifice.
It’s about having conversation and spending time together. Having romantic experiences in the Spirit and cuddling up with the good book.
It’s about acknowledging or yâda in all our ways. All our customs, traditions, manners and behaviors. (Derek in the Hebrew.)
When we make the Lord our refuge and dwelling place, it is as his bride. In him, with him, trusting in him and acknowledging him.
Then the Lord will direct our paths. He will lead us in the way that we should go, for we are going with him, following his voice and keeping in step with his Spirit.
Trust in the Lord. Put your hope in him. Be intimate with him in everything you do and how you do it. Then he will lead you and guide you on your journey towards eternity.
Amen, amen, amen–I love this post! I have an intimate love relationship with the Lord that I wouldn’t trade for all the world’s riches. Many blessings to you!