in all thy ways

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

Just as pressure tests strength, adversity shows us where our trust lies. I'm not talking about making a conscious decision in the midst of trouble to trust God. I'm talking about discovering where we're already leaning. When rough situations come up, do we rely on ourselves to fix everything or panic because this is beyond our understanding? Or is our first thought one of trust in God?

Trust isn't just a one-time choice. It's a lifetime thing, built up every day as we relate to the one we're trusting.

Solomon tells us to acknowledge God in all our ways. Not only in good times or in bad, not only in our religious observances, but in all our ways. This relates to the choices we make. If we acknowledge God in our choices, we will work from a moral foundation and do what is right. We will look beyond our own desires and seek to please our Father in Heaven.

It also relates to the way we think. It means paying attention to God's hand in the world. Do you acknowledge God in the sunrise? Do you acknowledge Him in the breaths you take? Do you see His wisdom in your studies and His goodness in your relationships? When you react against an evil thing, do you consciously acknowledge God's judgment and righteousness?

As we acknowledge God's presence, we will come to trust Him more. We can't help it, because His very nature inspires trust. And He promises, in turn, that He will direct our paths.