Theme of the Week: Wisdom for the Ages
Bible Verse: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV
Scripture Reading: Numbers 14:24, 2 Kings 20:3, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Matthew 22:37, Romans 12:1-2
While in college, I decided to take fitness seriously and start a new routine: daily jogging. The next morning, I left my dorm full of good intentions, but the frigid winter temperatures cut my plans short. I lasted all of one run. My half-hearted attempt fizzled, and I settled for jogging my memory.
Our verse continues: ”Trust in the LORD with all your heart.” The writer is specific here; not 25%, 50%, or 75% but all our heart! Something about our trust in the Lord is inadequate if it’s not done with total commitment. Trust isn’t really something you can do halfway.
The Scriptures use the word “whole-hearted” or “whole-heartedly” approximately 20 times and in reference to some key individuals.
- Caleb was given access to the promised land because he had “a different spirit” and followed God wholeheartedly (Numbers 14:24).
- King Hezekiah passionately pleaded to the Lord for healing because he had served the Lord with “wholehearted devotion” (2 Kings 20:3).
- David reminded his son Solomon (the writer of our key verses): “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9).
The Great Commandment given by Jesus reminds us that following Him cannot be a half-hearted endeavor. He reiterated the importance of the “all” when he declared: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).
Faith in Christ and trust in His promises are not for the faint-hearted or half-hearted. When challenges, opposition, or pain come our way, it is tempting to give trust a half-hearted effort. Sometimes, our faith, trust, and devotion to Christ can back off when life’s pressure comes on. We trust our backup plan more than our Savior.
Something powerful happens, however, when our trust is wholehearted. There comes an alignment with a God who is completely committed to us. We can put our whole heart into the wholly trustworthy heart of the Father.
Prayer: Father, in the face of my questions and concerns, give me grace to trust in you more today than I did yesterday. Help me to be trustworthy just as you are completely trustworthy to me. Amen.
Reflection: Where is your trust level today? Have your circumstances affected your confidence and calmness? Read and reread these passages and let your faith be restored.
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