The Assurance of Guidance
Proverbs 3:5,6
I suppose everyone has a favorite verse or passage of scripture,…this one is mine.
As the Bible says, “All scripture is inspired” but this one really gets to the core of what Christian living is all about.
It speaks to where we are and where we live 24/7/365.
Do I really trust the Lord in all things? Good and bad?
V. 5 FAITH...Trusting God for salvation is much easier than trusting Him for our daily needs and guidance.
It is so much easier to go our own way because that requires no faith at all.
ILLUS...When John Paton was translating the Bible in the South Sea Islands, he was confounded to find there was no word for faith or trust in their language. A native came in and sat down and said, “It sure is good to rest my weight in this chair.” Paton then decided that he would translate trust as “Resting one’s whole weight on God.”
True story; There was once a 75 year old man who was given his first airplane ride for his birthday. After it was over and he landed safely he said he wasn’t scared because he didn’t put his full weight down in the seat of the plane.
The “heart” refers to all of what we are; body, spirit, and soul. After we trust the Lord for salvation, the forgiveness of sins and the matters of the spirit, then we must also trust him for daily guidance and the matters of the body and soul.
The Bible does not present this as optional. After all, going your own way is what got you lost in the first place.
And going your own way will not enhance your walk with God.
“Follow your own heart” is a popular saying in the world, but the prophet Jeremiah knew better, Jer. 17:9; So did King David, I Chron 28:9
Isn’t it ironic that the man who wrote the book of proverbs, didn’t follow this advice?
Solomon was an abject failure.
He was rich, powerful, famous, and wise,...but a failure nonetheless.
Because of his idolatry the nation of Israel was divided, became degenerate, and eventually overthrown by her enemies.
The best reason to trust in the Lord and lean on Him is for the sake of your family.
What kind of example or legacy do you want to leave your children and grandchildren?
By your example, where are you leading them?
Thankfully, Jesus came along and what we lost in Adam we regained in Christ.
V. 6 Prayer...Every area of our lives must be turned over to His control. Jesus Christ is much more than a fire escape from Hell.
ILLUS...A tightrope walker was performing at Niagara Falls. He asked one spectator “Do you believe I can push this wheelbarrow across the falls and back?” “Yes” said the spectator.
“OK then, get in.”
Mark 8:34,35
Matt 6:33...You will lose nothing by living in obedience to Christ, Ex. 34:24.
Thy paths...every Christian’s path is unique to them and none other. Peter asked Jesus about John, “What shall he do?”
Jesus replied, "That's none of your business,...He has his own path to walk." So it is with you and me.
