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:

One of the things our family loves to do is explore our city and find new parks to play at. We recently found a new place, and it quickly became a favorite! As the day progressed, my boys became a little more daring; so much so that my youngest (who is five and knows no limits) found himself afraid. This particular obstacle was made up of ropes and landings that lead to the top of a large slide area. Once he got to a certain point, he began to call out my name asking for help. He was stuck. It looked scary to come down and impossible to continue going up. 

I found myself wiggling up the ropes until he was right in front of me. With tears in his eyes, he let me know he was scared and needed help. I said, “Buddy, I need you to trust me. Listen to my voice, and I will tell you where to put your feet next. We will get up together.” Through more tears and some uneasiness, he began to slowly put one foot in front of the other to get to where he was going. 

Thinking back to those few moments, I was reminded how often we find ourselves in similar obstacles. Maybe we put ourselves there on purpose, or find that we get into a situation that feels helpless and outside of our control. Our good God meets us right where we are and says, “I need you to trust me. I need you to listen to my voice, and I will show you where to put your feet next. We can do this together.”

What does it look like to trust God completely? Do we firmly believe in his reliability and character, or are we quick to let our fears distract us from what he says is true?

My son had every right to trust me in that situation because he believed what I said. He had no reason to second guess me or my motives. He could think back to countless times where I have helped him before and know I would not let him fall. We can do the same thing with God. He is reliable (Romans 10:13). He is trustworthy (Numbers 23:19). He keeps his promises (Hebrews 10:23). 

A common but profound Proverb reminds us to “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” (3:5-6). As we commit to trusting in the reliability and character of God, and submit to him, he will guide our steps. He will help us put one foot in front of the other. Through our uneasiness (and sometimes tears), he will guide us to where we need to be. 

PRAYER

Jesus help us to trust you. When we find ourselves in situations where we feel afraid or stuck, would you allow us to hear your voice. Would you help us listen to your guidance? Help us remember your faithfulness and cling to your promises as we trust in you. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Jenny Sabiston
Central Ministry Support Pastor - Kids and Students

Jenny Sabiston is a wife, mom of three boys, and kids/student pastor. When she is not watching kids soccer and baseball games, playing outside, or reading, she is dreaming up her next vacation and soaking in the sweet season of life she is in! 

Resources

• Watch What Is Faith by Pastor Blake Bastin
• Listen to Eyes Fixed by Phil Wickham
• Visit one of these local parks with your family

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