“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

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we see the same kind of turning we did yesterday in Philippians 4. In a similar way that Paul taught us to turn from worry to prayer, Solomon exhorted us to turn from trusting ourselves to trusting in God.

Solomon was a man gifted with wisdom (1 Kings 3:5, 12). If anyone ever had reason to trust in himself, it was Solomon. However, Solomon understood where his wisdom came from. And as much wisdom as Solomon had been given by God, God’s wisdom was still far greater. His understanding is beyond measure (Ps. 147:5); the depth of His wisdom is unsearchable (Rom. 11:33-36); He knows us better than we know ourselves (1 John 3:20).

This is important, because you will never surrender to God if you don’t think you have a need. If you live with an “I’ve got this” attitude, peace will be elusive because it is only in turning to God that we find true peace. Neither can you trust in the Lord with all your heart and also lean on your own understanding. Trusting in the Lord involves a change in posture—from standing on your own two feet to falling on your knees before Him.

• In what relationship, situation, or circumstance have you been leaning on your own understanding? What would it look like for you to trust God with your whole heart, instead?

• Pray: Confess the way you’ve been handling the relationship, situation, or circumstance you identified. Recognize your limitations and acknowledge God’s trustworthiness and wisdom.