Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
“If I don’t make it happen, nobody else will.” How many times have we heard that line? Too many. A friend of mine said it just the other day. She’s been single for a while, and juggling life on her own has been more than challenging. Even with a decent-paying job, she’s still struggling to make ends meet. She thought by now she’d be married—or at the very least, have a good man in her life to help lighten the load. But it hasn’t happened, and she’s taken matters into her own hands. In her mind, moving full speed ahead with her plans is always the only option.
Sometimes we feel we’re behaving wisely when actually we’re sending the message to heaven and everything beneath it that “I got this. I don’t really need God’s help or guidance.” Proverbs 3:5 gives us a clear directive: Don’t try to figure it all out on your own. We don’t see the full picture—only God does. He knows the end from the beginning, and the beginning from the end. We have to listen and trust in the One True God Almighty. Walking with Him is the wisest step you can take if you want to experience the best life possible. But it starts with trusting Him completely and listening to what His Word says about your life.
In John 16:33 (ESV), our precious Lord and Savior says: “ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Jesus made it clear to his disciples: life is going to have some tough moments—financially, emotionally, spiritually. But even in the middle of it all, there’s peace to be found in what he already accomplished. He overcame the world—so we don’t have to carry the full weight of it.
Our strength and effort will only take us so far. Hoping and hustling without God usually ends in disappointment, wasted time, drained energy, and empty results. And sure, some folks out here will tell you they’re living their “best life”—but without a personal and intimate relationship with God, that “best life” is a lie. Without His wisdom, life can sneak up and overtake you in a second.
We should never fool ourselves about this: the devil is watching our every move, waiting for that slip-up—that open door called sin, so he can go to God and say, “I have a legal right to attack—she gave me access.” Just like there are courtrooms here on earth, there are courts in heaven. And the enemy is always roaming, looking for someone walking in fear, disobedience, or compromise. These are the kinds of lifestyles and choices he looks for in God’s people. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to be hyper-vigilant, cause the devil is always looking for someone he can devour. Let’s make sure all our openings are covered with obedience to the truth of God’s Word.
You see, that’s why Proverbs 3:5 hits different. “Trust in the Lord and don’t lean on your own understanding.” At some point, you’ve got to just decide that you’re going to trust Him. You may not understand everything God is doing or requiring of you. That’s okay. But you have to agree that your way isn’t always the best way. We think we can handle it all, but we’re not omnipresent. We’re not omnipotent. He is.
And yes—God will require some things of you that won’t feel comfortable. You may not like it. You may not even fully understand it. But obedience is better than sacrifice. Disobedience, on the other hand, is a quiet way of saying, “God, I know better than You.” One step outside of God’s plan can lead to some serious consequences.
In Psalms 94:18-19 (NLT), the psalmist tells us, “I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” He wasn’t pretending to be strong or like he knew all the answers. This is a real, raw admission of weakness. To say, “I am slipping,” is to acknowledge, “I can’t keep my footing… I’m losing control.” The beauty is that God invites that honesty—He doesn’t turn away from it.
Obedience creates a lifestyle that blocks the slip. It lays down a foundation that’s supported by God Himself. That’s what His provision does—it keeps you steady when life tries to shake you. But here’s the truth: you have to surrender. Every single day, you’ve got a decision to make—will you live for God and serve Him, or will you settle for a life that falls short of what He promised you?
Through Christ, you have the power to choose well—every day. So say it boldly: “God, I trust You. I surrender. I choose to live by Your guidance today.” Speak it out loud and mean it. Let that declaration lead your steps. Stay grateful for His love, and keep letting His Word be your anchor in everything you do.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
English Standard Version (ESV), The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
“God’s Provision Protects You from Slipping”, written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.
