Focus on freedom Proverbs3:5Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. The word translated “trust” here is the Hebrew word batach. It is a verb indicating to trust and be confident in. It expresses the feeling of safety and security that is felt when one can rely on someone or something else. In this case it is God himself. So then then the reality here is this. That in all things, whether storm, danger, uncertainty, feelings of hopelessness or whatever the case may be, we can be confident, secure and without fear because of him. Then it warns us not to lean on our own understanding. The word translated “lean” here is the word sha’an. The idea conveyed here is simply that of resting one’s weight against something to give it support, but not all things leaned on will actually support. The word translated “understanding” here is the Hebrew word binyah. It is a feminine noun meaning understanding, comprehension, discernment, righteous action. God has graciously endowed human beings with the ability of vast understanding and comprehension, but this faculty is not infallible. And therefore, we are to ask God for guidance at all times. God thinks and sees differently than we do. 1Corinthians 1:25 says, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” With that in mind, let me just state that God sees all, knows all, and comprehends all. He sees everything that lies ahead of us and everything that lies within us. In my own practical experience I have found that it is not wise to completely trust in my own judgment or my own heart. Because only God sees and understands the depths of me. It is much more reassuring to trust the Lord to choose what is best for me. Because I might have the wrong motive or intentions in what I’m pursuing at the time. Selfishness and pride can present themselves in any illusive form to try and justify their own desire. They are killers. So then my prayer at this point is, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”(Psalm 139:23) Let us move on to verse six which reads, “In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths. The word translated “ways” here is the Hebrew word der’ek. It is a masculine noun which literally means path, journey, or road. Figuratively, it means a course of life or a mode of action. The word translated “acknowledge” is the word yada,it is a primitive root that basically means to know. But properly, it is defined as “to ascertain by seeing”. This is very interesting to me. It is telling us to find out definitely, to learn with certainty or assurance by seeing him for ourselves! But the most common translation out of the eight hundred or more uses is to know relationally or experientially. It can also mean to confess. So then, here it is. In every walk of life, in every thought, with every breath, with every day and every opportunity we are to draw from his divine wisdom and counsel for direction by knowing him relationally and experientially. Confess him as Lord over your life and over every situation. Including wrong decisions and backsliding. Bring it to God, confess him as your redeemer and he will get you back on track. What power lies in his mercy and grace, what riches and glory! Let’s move on to the next part of the text that reads, “In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” The next key word in this verse is the one translated “shall direct”. It is the Hebrew word yashar. It is a primitive root that means to be straight or even, to cause to be right, pleasant and prosperous. The next key word is the word translated “paths”. It is the word orach. It is a masculine noun describing the literal path one walks on; or the rank one walks in. In the plural it can mean a troop. It can also mean a race. I find this interesting, due to the fact that Paul refers to the walk of faith as a race in the new testament. Yes, we all need God for salvation, for provision, protection, guidance, and often to save us out of troubles. But I believe that when we get to the heart of who he truly is, we shall be transformed forever. Our walk will no longer be about ourselves, it will be focused outward. The same compassion, love, mercy and grace; the same Word that delivered you from the power of darkness and prospered you to walk in newness of life will be a testimony of God’s open arms to the rest of humanity. The scripture says, “ And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb, and the word of their testimony: for they loved not their own lives unto death.” In my own experience, I’ve learned that when the path ahead is unclear, we’re not left alone to figure it out for ourselves. God is already there. Don’t worry about how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big your God is. Focus on your source. Plug in to the tree of life! Let the very breath of God be the wind in your sail! On another note, I have been in situations that I believed God had me going through for a reason; but they left me utterly confused and hurt. Do not be deceived, the devil was once an angel of light. When you are in situations that don’t feel right you should always search out what God has to say about the situation. You might be under attack. The enemy is always trying to distract us from the abundant life that Jesus has freely given us. God is a God of order. 1Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” James 3:16 “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” 1Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Luke 10: 19, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Brothers and sisters, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen Chris Platt
Posted on: Fri, 04 Oct 2013 11:37:42 +0000
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