Messages

I Just Don't Understand

5.19.09

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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.Proverbs 3: 5 - 7

Proverbs 3: 5- 7 are often the first words that rise out of my memory bank in dark moments. The reason this scripture resonates so much with me has to do with these six words: lean not on your own understanding.

I had a friend call me recently, devastated over his wifes unexpected decision to leave him. He wanted to know why. She never gave him an answer. And I couldn’t either.

On some level, we all want to understand, don’t we? Such questions such as…

“I am unhappy with my spouse. “I am so unsure about my job or finances“ why am I or those I know having health problems. I just don’t understand God’s will for my life.”

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

You see, contrary to popular belief, our peace doesn’t really flow from our understanding, and in fact, God never promises we will always understand. Instead, our peace flows from a God whose thoughts are not our thoughts and whose ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55: 8).

Accepting that we won't always understand may feel frustrating at first, but ultimately, it offers you and me relief. We may not understand, but God does, and He will not abandon us. Look at the promise that accompanies this verse, should we surrender our lives fully to Him: and he will make your paths straight.

So if there’s something about your life right now that you just don’t understand, that you wish you had answers for, that’s causing you pain, fueling your fears, doubts and concerns, meditate on Proverbs 3: 5- 7. Turn it around in your mind and  know God is ultimately in control.

Tim Carlisle