August 17, 2023

Proverbs 3: 5, 6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

My schemes have been the planning of fools, assuming my way is better than God’s.*

Motivational speakers, self-help books, blogs about empowering yourself – they're all about believing in yourself and making your dreams come true. According to them – even the Christian ones – each of us has within us the power to make it happen. Believe in yourself. You can do it. You are good enough. You are strong enough. You are smart enough. 

Really?

In this verse, Solomon provides us with the secret to a successful, fulfilling life . . . and it has nothing to do with believing in ourselves. Quite the opposite, actually. Don’t trust in your dreams or your ability to accomplish your goals. Trust in the Lord, he says.  With all your heart. That leaves no room in your heart for your own plans. Trusting the Lord involves submitting your dreams to him, not empowering yourself. Lean not on your own understanding, he adds. You can’t rely on what you know or understand or what you can do.

No, we aren’t the self-empowered machines we’ve been told we can be – but we do have a source of power. In all your ways, acknowledge the Lord’s sovereignty and his involvement in your life and he will direct your path. You don’t have to do it yourself. You can’t do it yourself. And the sooner you admit that you aren’t strong enough or smart enough, the sooner you will be on the road to abundant, productive living – to the glory of God.

The one who seems to be acquiescing control is actually inviting the God of the universe to be in control.*