Trust in the Lord

In troublesome times, we often look to outside voices to guide us when life becomes challenging. Many of our decisions end up shaped by what others say, or we react out of learned behaviors formed through past experiences. Sometimes we even avoid the moment altogether and slip back into old habits simply to escape making a choice. But as Christians, we are not left wandering. Scripture tells us exactly how to respond in every situation.

God spoke to the King Solomon, whom the people considered the wisest man in the world, over three thousands years ago -- what to do during times of troubles, and these same words from the Lord apply to us as believers today.

Our verse today comes from Proverbs 3:5-6 in which King Solomon told his people to "trust in the Lord with all their heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."

King Solomon was known as the wisest man on earth because, when he first became king of Israel, he asked God for an understanding heart—wisdom to judge His people and to be able to discern between good and evil. Solomon humbly admitted that he did not know how to carry out the responsibilities of ruling a nation. Instead of asking for riches or power, he simply asked for wisdom.

God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and in response, He not only gave Solomon unparalleled wisdom, but also granted him great riches and honor. As a result, Solomon became known throughout the world as both the wisest and the richest king of his time.

To not lean on our own understanding can also be difficult for people who are used to being their own boss - we want to be in control of our own lives.  Why is it then - when we need to trust God the most, we forget to ask Him as we start thinking in our own understanding how we will handle the situation! 

God, on the other hand, knows what is best for us. He is asking us NOT to rely on our own understanding, but trust Him with our whole being. True trust requires complete surrender to God. God is not only asking us to confide in Him in what we need, but He is inviting us to feel secure in that trust. So God is essentially telling us: “Have faith in My ability — Give yourself fully to Me because I loves you and I am the One taking care of you.”

Can we learn from King Solomon? Oh, yes, we can! In Solomon's greatest moment of weakness, he humbled himself before God and openly admitted his inadequacies. He confessed that he did not know how to lead, judge, or make decisions without God’s help.

In the same way, can we come to God and admit, “Lord, I don’t know what to do”? All it takes is a humble heart willing to say, “God, I need Your help.” When we ask, God responds. He may bring a scripture to mind, give a gentle prompting, or place a thought in our heart—and as long as it aligns with His Word, we can trust it. God deals with each of us differently, but He always responds to humility.

When we ask, He shows us what to do. That is the Holy Spirit at work within every believer—guiding, teaching, and directing us according to God’s Word. Our part is simple: trust Him when He leads.

King Solomon chose dependence upon God over self‑confidence. He asked God for an understanding heart—to judge rightly and discern between good and evil. God was pleased with Solomon’s humility, and in response, He not only made Solomon the wisest man on earth, but He also blessed him with wealth and honor above all the kings of his day.

King Solomon, out of his own life's dependence on God, wrote from the mind of God to us on how important it is to trust in God and not lean on our own understanding. When we do, God will then guide us and lead us every step of the way.  He will walk beside us and be our rear guard. We won't have to wonder if what we are doing is right or wrong because we know we are following after God, because He is leading us.  

Trust in God!