The Learning Process

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

Learning to use my first computer was a long, tedious task. Today, however, I wonder how I could ever get by without it.

Learning to lean on Jesus is also a task which can take much practice and perseverance. We are a people who have a tendency to fall back upon ourselves and our own understanding — an inherent habit which leads us away from the pathway of God and down roads of trouble, remorse, and heartache.

Even as a mature Christian, I have moments when I take charge of the situation, not giving God a thought — until after that impulsive purchase, or that spur-of-the-moment decision, or that heated word. Thank the Lord, however, that He is still able to guide and direct amidst our own independent moments, working them for our good, when in due time we pass them over Him. Watching and experiencing how God is able to take my foolishness and still use it for good has grown my desire and faith to trust the Lord with all my heart and soul and mind, and not to lean on my own understanding, but in all my ways to acknowledge Him, so that He may direct my paths.

By totally leaning on Christ in our lives day by day, we have peace of heart and mind in every decision we have to make. Therefore, if a decision does not turn out the way we had hoped, we need not fear nor despair, for we know that God has directed our path and that He does have purpose amidst it. Such knowledge moves us to become strong and secure, not only within our faith in God, but also within pressing and trying circumstances.

When my computer is on the fritz, my life is so much more complicated and difficult, as I have learned to lean heavily upon its availability and speed.

Learning to lean upon the Lord, however, is never a let-down or a disappointment, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, never failing nor letting us down.

Prayer: Wonderful Lord and heavenly Father, thank You for Your reliability and love — love which guides us day by day as we learn to lean upon You and not on our own understanding. Grow us in faith and light this day, Lord, as we look to You amidst our problems, concerns, and choices. We love You for Your faithfulness. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook