Warrior Truth: “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 straight your paths” Proverbs 3 v 5-6
I have spent a great deal of my life pursuing knowledge through formal and informal studies. I have been there, done that and earned the certificates. In addition to my degree studies, I have also spent many hours reading, analysing and wrestling with concepts until they mean something to me. To think that I should not rely on this knowledge, I must admit is disturbing to say the least and a regular struggle for me. This week, that struggle could not have been more real for me. The work challenges facing me seemed to be stretching me beyond what I might know and have time to learn. As I considered again David’s example, I was encouraged to see how he did not discard what he knew, rather he anchored what he had learned in the fields with what he knew about God and acknowledge God’s presence and position in his life as Lord and Saviour. Running towards Goliath with sling in hand and God before him, he did not fear the uneven ground. He did not stumble or fall. He ran as if on a straight and clear path.
When I run (for health and fitness, definitely not competitively), I am pretty cautious about where I place my footing as I have twisted and even sprained my ankle on more occasions than I would care to remember and so this picture of David running confidently towards his target struck home. I can appreciate the benefit of be sure-footed not only in the physical sense but also the figurative sense.
I certainly felt a great sense of relief at realising God was not expecting me to abandon my knowledge but reading a little further, Proverbs 3 goes on to praise wisdom and the pursuit thereof, but this follows the instruction to not forget God’s truths and to trust and acknowledge Him in all our ways. As I anchored my struggle in Him this week, trusting in Him, I felt a sense of clarity for what needed to be done settle over me and an assurance in the work I was doing. I was quietly strengthened and encouraged to keep going, to keep on being faithful with what had been trusted to me.
Warrior Tool: The dictionary definition of acknowledge (a verb) gives three descriptions: 1. Accept or admit the existence or truth of; 2. Recognise the importance or quality of; and 3. Show that one has noticed or recognised someone by making a gesture or greeting.
To truly acknowledge God in our lives, we must:
- Accept His truths
- Confess the truth of His presence and work in our lives
- Recognise Him as the Lord of Lords
- Recognise Him as a treasure worth far more than any other
- Visibly show and proclaim these things so that all who meet us would know we serve the God who makes paths straight and does the impossible.
Prayer: Thank you Lord that you can use the little knowledge we have to achieve great things when we trust in you and lean on you. Thank you for your truth and for every example of your work in our lives that we see as we reflect back on our days. You are our rock, our fortress, our saviour and ever-present help in the time of need. Help us Lord to trust in You more each day. Help us confidently acknowledge You in our lives. Amen
With God, For His Glory