God’s Promise: God Will Direct My Paths

God’s Promise: God Will Direct My Paths

Excerpted from The Surprising Joy of Embracing God’s Promises.

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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 straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5–6 ESV

Steps on Your Journey to Embrace God’s Faithfulness:

• There are three conditions in these verses. First is to trust the Lord with all your heart. This word for “trust” is batak, also translated bold, confident, secure and safe. How does that add to your understanding of trust?
• What do these verses add?
• Psalm 62:8 (NKJV): “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
• Psalm 37:5 (ESV): “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”
• Psalm 56:11 (NLT): “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”
• Isaiah 26:4 (ESV): “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”
• The Hebrew word for “heart” is leb, also meaning inner being, mind and will. What does it mean to trust God with your whole heart? Have you done that? If so, are you continuing to trust Him completely in every area of your life? If you are not sure if you’ve trusted God, go to page 369 for additional help.
• The second condition is not to lean on your own understanding. The New Jerusalem Bible says, “Put no faith in your own perception.” This is talking about trying to figure life out on your own, without asking for God’s input. God is there for you in every decision you need to make. Do you rely on His guidance or do you prefer your own or other people’s advice? Why?
• The third condition is to acknowledge God in all our ways. Other translations say, “Seek his will in all you do” (NLT); “Think about Him in all your ways” (HCSB). In everything you do, talk to God about it and recognize His wisdom that is available to you.
• Now we finally get to the promise. God will direct your paths. The Hebrew for “direct” is yashar, meaning that God will make smooth or straight your paths.
• What does James 1:5–6 (ESV) add? “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” When we seek God’s wisdom, He will direct us into experiences that help us to increase our knowledge and understanding—the keys to God-given wisdom.
• How has God directed your paths? How has He made your way smooth or straight?
• As I trust God, asking Him for His wisdom for every decision and step I make, He shows me the way. I’m learning to make sure I always ask Him first, because otherwise I get myself into trouble. This includes even what I think of as small decisions like, “Should I call ____ right now?” How about you?
• In what ways do you need God to direct your path? Ask Him, making sure you are keeping the conditions.

A Prayer for You:

Lord, thank You for the promise that You will direct my paths. You will make my paths straight if I will trust You and seek Your direction and wisdom. Forgive me for trying to do things on my own. Remind me to always seek Your guidance before I make any decision.

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