A Path Towards Greater Purpose

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 3:5–6 ESV

Stress is a part of daily life. It’s even healthy in small doses, causing us to learn and grow, or find an inner strength we may not have known existed. Yet continuous stress over a long period of time may indicate that you’re trying to solve your problems on your own.

When faced with difficulties in life, even seemingly small things, we shouldn’t look inward for all the answers. Developing a discipline of turning to God for his wisdom and guidance—in all things—helps us achieve our greater purpose.

In scripture, the word “fear” is closely associated with “trust”. In Proverbs 1:7 it says, “The fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom.”

In this context, “knowledge” is understanding the world and ourselves in it. “Wisdom” is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge in order to live a godly life.

Easier said than done, right?

Yet when we truly and passionately seek God’s wisdom with open ears and an open heart, it will be given to us (Proverbs 2:1–6). What an encouraging thought!

But here is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. When we pray to receive God’s wisdom, we actually need to trust what He tells us, even if it feels intimidating or we don’t fully understand.

Trusting God goes well beyond the simple brains of our mere human intellect. If we try to apply our own understanding to a problem, we undermine His greater perspective. Trust requires a deep reliance on Him and His faithfulness to us.

It sounds easy yet we’re all guilty of keeping God out of the areas of our lives where we need help. Why?

It could be pride, ego, stubbornness, or lack of faith. But when we keep God out and try to do it all ourselves, we’re cut off from the greater purpose He has planned for each of us.

What is one area of your life where you continue to struggle? Today, will you let God in by asking for His help?

Devotion by Mark Henderson – Founder of The Inspired Legacy