“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
I have always loved this verse because it is so true and practical. If we do our part and follow the Bible, God will direct our paths and work the outcome together for good.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
Kay Warren has a saying that I especially appreciate. She said that if we simply follow the parts of the Bible that we do understand, we will be in God’s will. I have always found that reassuring. Like most Christians, there are many verses and stories that I may not fully grasp, but the Ten Commandments are pretty clear as are Jesus’ commands to love the Lord our God and to love others as ourselves. The Bible can be pretty overwhelming, but the directions as to our behavior stand out and can be very clear and simple. What are we doing with what we know for sure?
“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37: 4 NIV
This is not some magic formula, but guidance. If we conform ourselves to what pleases God, He will honor that devotion in ways that we may not appreciate at the time, but do work out for our good.
I claim these verses and the promises that they hold even when the future looks bleak or stagnant and you can too. We do not know everything or what the future holds, but we can know the God Who knows everything and Who holds the future.