The Struggle of Not Knowing
There are moments in life when things don’t make sense. Plans fall apart, relationships shift, dreams are delayed, or unexpected pain enters your world. In those moments, our natural question is, “Why, God?”
But sometimes, God doesn’t give an immediate answer. Instead, He offers something deeper—an invitation to trust.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV):
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This passage isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about choosing faith over analysis, and surrender over control.
What Trusting God Really Means
To trust God is to:
- Believe that He is good, even when life is hard
- Follow His lead, even when you can’t see the full path
- Let go of needing answers, and hold onto His promises instead
This doesn’t mean you stop thinking or planning. It means your ultimate confidence is in Him, not in your own ability to understand everything.
The Challenge of “Leaning Not on Your Own Understanding”
Human understanding is limited. We only see part of the picture. We base decisions on what we know—and sometimes, that’s not enough.
God’s wisdom, however, is eternal. His ways are higher.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV):
“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord…”
Letting go of your own understanding is not weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s saying, “God, I trust that You see what I can’t.”
Examples of Trusting God in the Bible
Scripture is full of people who trusted God in confusion:
- Noah built an ark before rain existed.
- Abraham left his homeland without knowing where he was going.
- Joseph was imprisoned before becoming a ruler.
- Mary believed the impossible promise of a virgin birth.
- Jesus trusted the Father’s plan even as He faced the cross.
In each case, they didn’t understand everything—but they trusted God. And He proved faithful.
How to Trust God Practically (Even When You Don’t Get It)
Here are ways to walk in Proverbs 3:5-6 during confusing seasons:
1. Acknowledge God in Every Step
The verse says: “In all your ways submit to him…”
Invite God into your decisions, conversations, and emotions. Don’t just trust Him with big life moments—trust Him with your everyday thoughts.
Prayer idea:
“Lord, I don’t know where this is going, but I invite You into it. Lead me.”
2. Let Go of the Need to Control
The more you try to control everything, the more frustrated and anxious you’ll feel.
Trusting God means letting Him drive, even when you want to grab the wheel.
Psalm 37:5 (NIV):
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
3. Anchor Yourself in His Word
When life feels uncertain, go back to what is certain—God’s promises.
Some verses to cling to:
- “The Lord will fight for you…” — Exodus 14:14
- “He will never leave you…” — Deuteronomy 31:6
- “He works all things for good…” — Romans 8:28
Write them down. Repeat them. Let them speak louder than fear.
4. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled Voices
Talk to people who will encourage your trust, not fuel your doubt.
Sometimes clarity doesn’t come from understanding—it comes from being reminded of God’s faithfulness.
5. Take the Next Right Step
You don’t need to know the full picture. Just obey the next thing God is asking you to do.
Trust grows as you walk with Him.
What Happens When You Do Trust God?
The promise in Proverbs 3:6 is beautiful: “…and he will make your paths straight.”
This means:
- He will direct your life
- He will remove unnecessary obstacles
- He will align your steps with His perfect will
Trusting God may not make the journey easier—but it makes it secure.
Even if the path winds, it leads exactly where God wants you to go.
You Can Trust Him—Even Now
You may not understand the “why” right now. You may not see the “how.”
But you can choose the “Who.” And that makes all the difference.
God sees the full story. He knows the outcome. And He is with you in every step between here and there.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He’s never failed, and He won’t start now.