Scripture & Thought

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.”

Last month the Discovery Channel broadcasted live the historic two-phase, tightrope walk of Nik Wallenda between two skyscrapers in downtown Chicago, 50 stories above the city’s streets, without a harness or a net below him. The first phase took about seven minutes to complete. The second phase was shorter and took a little more than a minute to complete, but Nik did this second phase blindfolded! It was an awesome display of skill and courage. But it was hardly the first feat of this type. In 1835 Jean Francois Gravelot, a French aerialist, was the first to cross the Niagara Falls successfully on a tightrope.

Professional aerialists go through intense training and multiple attempts over many years to develop their skills. But there is one essential key to their success that always creates a serious challenge for them – TRUST. In Wallenda’s case, he not only trusted the preparations of his handlers and his equipment, but he trusted God as well.

So it is with people of faith. They must trust God if they hope to make heaven their eternal home.

Jean Francois Gravelot, the French aerialist, referred to himself as “The Great Blondin,” the first tightrope walker to cross the Niagara Falls successfully. He did this first in 1835. What brought fame to him was not only his ability to cross the Falls on a wire, but to do other things simultaneously – like crossing it blindfolded! People who perform such stunts successfully have learned what it means to trust.

When I think about what trust means, I am reminded of what Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:5-6.

We trust people who have proven their trustworthiness. Who are the people that have earned the most respect and trust from you? Your parents, spouse, siblings, children, your pastor, best friend, counselor, business partner, CPA – your surgeon?

Then ask yourself this question: “How does this apply to me?” Consider what the Scripture says:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.”

  • Trust is the practical outworking of your faith.
  • Trust is the belief that what God has promised, he will do.
  • Trusting in God means that he can be trusted in all ways and at all times.

“Lean not on your own understanding.”

  • Don’t trust your emotions. Emotions are based on feelings, not facts.
  • Don’t follow Solomon’s example. He failed to live up to his own advice.
  • Our best examples are from scripture. Proverbs 2:6: “The Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

“In all your ways submit to Him.”

  • No area of your life is exempt. Trust is not like a cafeteria menu, where choosing one entrée over another means very little. “In all your ways” has the same meaning as, “with all your heart.”
  • Honoring God is what this means. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

“And He will make your paths straight.”

  • These words commit God to do something big. God has given His Word.
  • Obedience will lead to positive results. Always.

Here’s a quote from Aurelius Augustine: “Trust the past to God’s Mercy, the present to God’s Love, and the future to God’s Providence.”

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I am asking you to lead me to a deeper level of Trust than I have known. Help me understand that seeking your Presence in my life must be my highest priority. Teach me how to pray more effectively and expectantly. Please maintain a constant vigil over my life and the lives of my loved ones. And accept my praise even when I am delayed in expressing it. Through Christ I pray.

Amen.