Most Christians are quite familiar with the passage in Proverbs 3:5-6, which implores us, “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.” One of the definitions of the word “acknowledge” is to recognize the authority of someone, and so we are to recognize God’s authority in our lives.
Now, many times we put this verse into practice by praying something like this, “Lord, I need to know Your will about this career move, so I acknowledge You and ask you to show me your path.” Well, that’s good, but that’s not what it means. Note it says “IN ALL YOUR WAYS acknowledge Him” The point is, we MUST put GOD FIRST in EVERY AREA of our lives, acknowledging HIS AUTHORITY and giving HIM control! THEN and ONLY THEN He will clearly direct our paths.
Note verse 1 of that chapter in Proverbs 3: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments…” Solomon is writing this about OBEYING God, and PLEASING HIM. He commands us, Trust and Obey God…THEN God will guide your life and your path will be made clear! We can’t just seek God’s plan in certain areas of our lives and strive to keep other areas and sins to ourselves….it’s ALL or NOTHING.
Look at the next verse (verse 7), “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.” Like David wrote in Psalm 34:14 “Turn away from evil and do good…” And when we seek first to Honor and Glorify God – He WILL guide us in what to do in our lives.