Trusting God

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.

Nearly five months after back surgery, I have been cleared to run. After four months of physical therapy, two follow-up MRIs, two spinal injections, and several bottles of Aleve, I have been told I can go for it.

To be honest, I am almost surprised that I’ve been given the green light. After all, my surgeon and physical therapist are well aware of my conditions – degenerative disc disease and spondylosis. They both know that I have lower back pain every day and limitations in my mobility. But they also both know that running is my passion and that, amazingly, running can slow the progression of my arthritis.

I’m left with a lot of questions, wondering how my future will pan out and how much running it will include. Regardless, though, I’m going to have to trust God daily for direction. In the Bible, the word trust comes from a Hebrew word that means “to feel safe” and “confident.” I like the sound of that. God invites us to feel safe and confident in His plan.

When God tells us not to lean on our understanding, He isn’t just giving us a suggestion but rather, a firm command. God gives us a rich imagination, an ability to dream, and a desire to plan. But He gives us those gifts foremost to bring His light into the world and to further His kingdom. So He wants us to lean on Him and not ourselves for our sense of direction.

God is love and He wants to lovingly protect us. He wants to be the priority in our lives. He wants us to seek Him in all we do. His plans for us and for His kingdom can only be accomplished when we acknowledge Him. He is willing to share His wisdom so that we do not have to rely on our own finite sense of direction.

When I think of it that way – that the God of all creation wants to make my path straight – I cannot help but feel confident in my future, no matter what God’s plans may be. Again, I will be honest: I hope His plan is for me to run a half marathon again someday. But above all, I want the path of my future to glorify Him.

Loving Father, it amazes me that You love me enough to want to be part of my life and that You want to lead me with Your wisdom. Help me to remember that that is what is best for me. Things in this life sure can be confusing and seem disappointing. I usually want to try to figure them out on my own or plow ahead with my own agenda. Remind me that giving it over to You is for my best. Thank You that I can feel sure and confident with You alone. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.