Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB

When I was young, I used to have these two verses on a small glass engraved picture that hung on a chain in my bedroom. I guess even way back then, the Lord knew I’d need this. I’ve been writing a lot about trust lately. Perhaps you’re tired of hearing it, but I seriously need reminding.

It seems like our family has been hit by one storm after another, after another and they keep on coming. It reminds me a bit of a hurricane, where the wind comes in waves, beating everything it comes in contact with. The strong winds circle around, impacting the area until the storm passes. Sometimes it causes extreme damage, sometimes just a little.

Living in Florida, we’ve seen many a hurricane. Just a couple years after we moved down, we had 5 go through our state. It was quite the year, for sure. But one thing I learned is to listen to the Holy Spirit, not the weather station. If you listen with a calm spirit, you will hear clearly whether to stay or go, avoiding panic and anxiety.

That’s what the 2nd part of that verse says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.” How do you do that? By saying, God, you’re bigger than any storm or wind. You created them and they are subject to your Word.

In times of stress, I stop and acknowledge that He will make clear the direction I should take and I trust that direction. I may ‘feel’ like I should go right, but if He says go left, I’ll obey. There is always a reason. I may want one thing, but if He directs me toward another, there’s a reason and I will trust Him.

I hope you stay rooted to the peace of His presence and allow Him to do what only He can do.

Sandy G