Keys to the walk

Once a month I come to this passage in Proverbs. It has been foundational for me in my walk with God. It's one of the keys to the walk. I probably should start each day with it, but coming to it once a month reminds me, "Oh, yeah, I forgot to remember. I need this every day." Here are the verses and then some thoughts-
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Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

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Here are the things I need to remember, 1. trust in God is a decision I make, 2. the alternative is to "lean" on my own understanding of what I see...what I think...what I understand is going on. I never see things the way they really are, so I can trust God OR lean on my understanding of what I see. I've always found that I don't understand as much as I think I do and even to lean on it will not be reliable. But to trust in God! I can stand on that, rest my whole weight on him and he will take care of me. My understanding cannot even hold me up with only a "lean" against it. 3. Trust has application, it has to do with where I go. I have to "acknowledge him." In The MESSAGE it says, "Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track." To acknowledge him is to include him in my ways. Trust in him means I include him in my walk, in my ways and seek his guidance as I go. It's a walk with the living God as my guide, and 4. "he will make my paths straight." He will guide me. I need that. I get lost so easily. Amid the distractions of the day I lose sight of him, but if I start with him as we begin the walk he will make sure to keep me on track.

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These two short verses have been life changing for me. They have for many others as well. They give direction, and a promise of a destination. It's a walk that demands trust, but when you know the alternative...leaning on my own understanding...trust in God is the best choice. So, today I'm once more reminded of two verses I need daily. Today, Lord, make my paths straight, lead me, guide me and help me to trust you more today than I trust myself.

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