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.
 Proverbs 3:5-6

Are these new verses to you? Not likely. Many of us have these verses memorized, and we even classify these as all-time favorites. These words are truth, but it is difficult for us to really live them out.

The other day I asked my husband a question. He told me the answer, but moments later he found me double-checking his answer somewhere else. If you ask me whether or not I trust my husband, I would most certainly say, “yes.” I trust him more than any other human who walks this earth. But my actions said otherwise.

Is it the same with God? What do your actions say about your faith and trust in God? I think we all fall into leaning more on our own understanding at times than leaning on God. When we do that, what are we telling God with our actions? We are communicating to Him that we trust ourselves more than our Creator. We don’t believe His words of promise to us.

You, like me, would never want to say to our LORD that we don’t trust Him.

In Mark 9, a man brings his demon-possessed boy to Jesus and stated that the boy had been this way from childhood. The man tells Jesus, “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “’If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22-24).

In God’s great mercy, He included this story in the Bible just for you and me. This man is not too different from us sometimes. God understands that it is difficult for us to trust, to let go of our own ways and walk in His ways. He understands our weaknesses, and He wants to help us. I want to give Him control of those things I have been holding on to. I want to trust God with all my heart. What about you?

I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.

Julie Smith