WISDOM FROM GOD – “IN ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM”

Man’s problem is his insatiable desire to control everything about his life and that of the world, so that he does not have to depend upon anyone’s “mercy” but rely solely on himself and his ability to make things happen in his favour. *This is promoted as independence and self-reliance – a virtue that everyone should passionately pursue.* Herein is the folly of man and the amplification of the fall that happened in the Garden of Eden. Man wants to be “god” and he disguises it with all kinds of sophisticated words and theories to mask the truth – for the truth is “ugly” to look at, and “bitter” to taste. The problem is not just the elimination of “God factor” from our lives, but rather, we wish ourselves to become “gods” of our lives, and of the world. Herein is the unveiling of the consequences of our fall in all its ugliness.
– “It is on GOD, not on thyself, that thou art commanded to depend. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool…. Self-sufficiency and self-dependence have been the ruin of mankind ever since the fall of Adam. The grand sin of the human race is their continual endeavour to live independently of God.” – Adam Clarke

The LORD in His written Word has given us the antidote for the above sinful and evil sickness that plagues all of us. We can read the remedy for our perennial ailment in Proverbs 3:5-6.
– “5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

For our meditation this morning, let us look at Proverbs 3:6, and see what we can learn from it.
– “6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:6

I see one action point for us, which when followed faithfully and obediently, the LORD Jesus will respond by leading us like the Good Shepherd, that He is. 1- “IN ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM” and 2- “HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS” are the points for us to act upon. 

1- “IN ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM”
We are called to honour God, by inviting Him into our lives, and into the decision making process of our lives in all seriousness and sincerity. The word used  for “acknowledge” in Hebrew emphatically implies that of an intimate knowledge and relationship, with God, suggesting that the Christian should always seek God’s wisdom and guidance, in all our thoughts, decisions and actions. This is what to “ACKNOWLEDGE HIM IN ALL THY WAYS” means.
– “It is the choice to “invite” God into our everyday life and conduct. It is to practice the presence of God in the regular and sometimes mundane things that happen every day.” – David Guzik
– “9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” – 1 Chronicles 28:9
– “5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” – Psalm 37:5-6

2- “HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS”
When we “ACKNOWLEDGE” God in our lives, He will surely keep His promise of directing us, guiding us and leading us. The LORD Jesus will make our paths straight and smooth. He will remove obstacles that block your way, and guide us as would the Shepherd. Is this not what the Psalmist says in Psalm 23? – “​1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
– “10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. 11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. 12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” – Proverbs 4:10-13
– “8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” – Psalm 32:8

Dear brothers and sisters, the LORD wants us to realise and recognise Him in our lives. He wants us to acknowledge Him in all our ways. When we do so faithfully and obediently, with integrity in our hearts, then the LORD will direct us and guide our paths, and will enable us to walk on the righteous “Narrow Path” for our blessing. Even so, the LORD help us.