Devotion from DHF Liason Rick Grace:

I think you would agree these are confusing times. The COVID-19 pandemic drags on; unrest still rages; and elections are looming. In the midst of the confusion, Solomon offers a simple, yet time-tested solution: “in all your ways submit to him” (Pro. 3:6). The keyword is “submit,” coming from a root word meaning “to know, to acknowledge.” This rich word of intimacy implies to be keenly aware of, to have deep fellowship with, the Lord. “All” my ways means I can’t limit my submission to God to only certain segments of my life. It is bringing every part of my life strategically and intentionally under the lordship of Jesus. In the words of the Apostle Paul, it is being “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith . . .” (Col. 2:7). It is not just turning to God in moments of desperation but living in a consistent, intimate, and personal relationship with him. 

As an extension of that relationship, Solomon writes “he will make your paths straight” (Pro. 3:6). Old Testament commentator Derek Kidner writes, “this leads to the promise that closes the verse which offers more than just guidance, though it includes it: God will straighten out your paths and bring you to His appointed goal.” What a blessing, that even in my confusion God is moving me toward his goal and not just toward my desire. It recognizes God is working behind the scenes, whether I am aware of it or not. This is captured in the lyrics of the popular song, Way Maker: “even when I don’t see it / you’re working / even when I don’t feel it / you’re working / you never stop / you never stop working.” This echoes the words of Paul, “that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).

Brothers and sisters, it is a joy knowing as we “submit” to God, he is working to make our “paths straight.” We can “trust in the Lord with all [our] heart and lean not on [our] own understanding” (Pro. 3:5), because He is, and has proven to be, worthy of that trust. 

Father, I thank You for the assurance that even when I don’t understand what You are doing, You are working behind the scene to lead me toward Your goal. Help me to submit to You, to resolutely trust in You, even when life seems to be topsy-turvy. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.