Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Devotion:

Growing up in Oklahoma meant I didn’t have a lot of experience or time near large bodies of water—and to be fair even small bodies of water. If you are like me and your time on a boat was limited, then your memory of being stuck in a storm likely sticks with you. The wind howling outside, the waves moving the boat in all directions, and you sitting there wondering why this was a good idea. 

Much like my first experience in a storm, we often find ourselves navigating turbulent waters, facing unforeseen challenges and uncertainties.

In such moments, our faith is tested, and our trust in God's providence is put to the ultimate test.

Yet, it is precisely in these times of uncertainty that our trust in the Lord becomes the anchor that steadies our hearts and directs our paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, acknowledging our understanding is limited and imperfect. Trusting God does not mean our lives will be devoid of trials or uncertainties. In fact, it is often through these trials that our faith is strengthened and refined.

Throughout life, everyone finds themselves in different size storms and boats that are unique to each of us. Sometimes it feels like the boat might not be big enough to withstand some of life's harshest storms, but as Christians we know our faith is anchored in an unchanging and trusting God. 

Though our circumstances may shift, God's faithfulness remains constant.

Therefore, we can rest assured that even when the storms rage, God is working all things together for our good. Trusting God requires us to surrender our own plans and desires, submitting ourselves fully to his will. It demands we release our grip on control and allow God to chart our course.

This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness but an act of profound faith. It is an acknowledgment that God's ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

When we submit to his leading, he aligns our paths with his perfect plan, leading us towards blessings we could never have imagined.

PRAYER

Father, in a world filled with uncertainties, we come before you today, seeking to deepen our trust in you. Help us to lay aside reliance on our own understanding and instead lean on you with unwavering faith. Strengthen us when doubt creeps in and remind us of your unchanging nature. Lord, we surrender our plans and desires to your perfect will, knowing you hold our future in your hands. Guide our steps and make our paths straight, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

Cameron Sutherland
Videographer, Crossings Kids & Students

Cameron Sutherland is the Crossings Kids & Students Videographer. He is passionate about storytelling and showing life change through God and the Church.

Resources

• Series to Watch: Encounters with Jesus with Jill Poe-Thompson
• Hymn to Listen to: Heritage of the Hymns Tour
• Book to Read: Prayer: Forty Days of Practice by Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson

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