The book of Proverbs is a book full of wonderful information and guidance. Most of this advice comes from the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon. In chapter 3, Solomon gives three great points of advice regarding our relationship with the Lord.
First, "TRUST the Lord" (vs. 5). We are always told to trust in God, but how exactly should we do this? The text tells us to trust the Lord "with all of our heart." More specifically, we trust him with all of our heart and do not "lean on our own understanding." Then we "acknowledge Him in all our ways" (vs. 5-6). This means that whether life is good or it is bad, we still trust in the Lord. Whether we understand everything going on or not, we still trust in the Lord. Then the text reveals why we should do this; it is so "He will make our paths straight." One of the best ways to walk down the straight and narrow path to heaven and improve our relationship with God is to first trust in the Lord.
Second, "FEAR the Lord" (vs. 7). The way Solomon tells us to fear the Lord is to turn away from evil. Fearing the Lord means having deep respect and reverence. It can also imply having actual fear of His judgment and punishments. No matter which aspect of "fear" we are talking about, Solomon tells us that this will be "healing to our body" and "a refreshment to our bones" (vs. 8). If we truly fear the Lord then we will keep His commandments. When we do this, we do not have to worry about the guilt and punishment for our sins. When we give God the proper respect He deserves, it should give us a good feeling inside. We will know we are doing things right and what a refreshing realization that will be.
Third, "HONOR the Lord" (vs. 9). While there are many ways we can honor the Lord, Solomon specifically mentions, "honoring the Lord from our wealth" and from the "first of our produce" (vs. 9)). We all know that giving is a very wonderful act we can do for the Lord. It is interesting to see that Solomon says we should do this so "your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine" (vs. 10). This is indicating that the more we give, the more God will bless us. Whether we receive these blessings in this life or the life to come, honoring the Lord always produces results. Overall, God deserves our best. This should include our money and possessions.
If we could incorporate trust, fear, and honor with the Lord, how much better would our relationship be with Him? God truly deserves our trust, fear, and honor. What wonderful aspects to include and improve in our lives.
First, "TRUST the Lord" (vs. 5). We are always told to trust in God, but how exactly should we do this? The text tells us to trust the Lord "with all of our heart." More specifically, we trust him with all of our heart and do not "lean on our own understanding." Then we "acknowledge Him in all our ways" (vs. 5-6). This means that whether life is good or it is bad, we still trust in the Lord. Whether we understand everything going on or not, we still trust in the Lord. Then the text reveals why we should do this; it is so "He will make our paths straight." One of the best ways to walk down the straight and narrow path to heaven and improve our relationship with God is to first trust in the Lord.
Second, "FEAR the Lord" (vs. 7). The way Solomon tells us to fear the Lord is to turn away from evil. Fearing the Lord means having deep respect and reverence. It can also imply having actual fear of His judgment and punishments. No matter which aspect of "fear" we are talking about, Solomon tells us that this will be "healing to our body" and "a refreshment to our bones" (vs. 8). If we truly fear the Lord then we will keep His commandments. When we do this, we do not have to worry about the guilt and punishment for our sins. When we give God the proper respect He deserves, it should give us a good feeling inside. We will know we are doing things right and what a refreshing realization that will be.
Third, "HONOR the Lord" (vs. 9). While there are many ways we can honor the Lord, Solomon specifically mentions, "honoring the Lord from our wealth" and from the "first of our produce" (vs. 9)). We all know that giving is a very wonderful act we can do for the Lord. It is interesting to see that Solomon says we should do this so "your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine" (vs. 10). This is indicating that the more we give, the more God will bless us. Whether we receive these blessings in this life or the life to come, honoring the Lord always produces results. Overall, God deserves our best. This should include our money and possessions.
If we could incorporate trust, fear, and honor with the Lord, how much better would our relationship be with Him? God truly deserves our trust, fear, and honor. What wonderful aspects to include and improve in our lives.
--Brett Petrillo
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