Lean on God And Not My Own Understanding

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV ~

In exercising faith — trusting fully in the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding — we’re not setting aside our intellect. We’re resting our intellect upon the intellect of God. Nothing is wiser or saner. To do so is to allow him to direct our paths, which not only lead to ultimate joy, but also make the journey itself, even when laden with sorrow, joyful (2 Corinthians 6:10). And it preserves for us all the pleasures God provides us in the world. To not do this is the height of foolishness and the path to misery.

Jon Bloom – Staff Writer Desiring God – The Insanity of Leaning on Our Own Understanding

The moment I realize that of my self I am not able to do anything is the moment I am humble to seek help. Where do I go for help when this realization comes? It is found in my faith and trust in God and the fellowship I have, hopefully, cultivated with other like-minded Christians. There I will find understanding, strength, wisdom, and hope.

It takes great courage to seek out help during times of suffering and struggle. Yet, reaching out for help means I am understanding the truth regarding those things I am not capable of changing. The courage to face the things that may need to change. And developing the wisdom to know the difference between what I am empowered to change and what I am not able to change.

My first step is to quiet down my thoughts, engage in daily devotion, prayer, and meditation on the things of God. To fully commit toward cultivating a true and authentic relationship with my Heavenly Father. Committing my life in following His divine counsel and wisdom for my life. This requires me to keep an open mind, develop spiritual discernment, and examine whether or not I am moving through my own understanding and desires, or aligning myself to follow God’s desire and incorporating His understanding and purpose for me.

Every day, I am asked to apply the simple principles of the Gospel in my life.

Today’s Prayer and Meditation

Heavenly Father, I come to seek wisdom and courage to know what I am empowered to change in my life and what I have no control over. My own way of thinking often deceives me as I am only able to see a little way. When I come to you, I realize that the solution is to trust in you for strength, courage, and guidance. Leaning onto my own understanding has proven ineffective to live a wonderful and joyful life through Jesus Christ. I pray you continue to guide me and strengthen me by reminding me of your love toward me. In Jesus Name, Amen!