The Need to Lean

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Scripture

Prov. 3:5        Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
        and do not rely on your own insight.
6     In all your ways acknowledge him,
        and he will make straight your paths.

Observation

Wisdom reminds us of the need to lean. We become weary and need to lean in some direction and the temptation is to lean upon our own wisdom, learning, knowledge and insight. This is the wrong way to lean.

We are to be dependent on the LORD and trusting and leaning are both words that represent that physical experience of support which we are to experience in our relationship to God. Trust in the LORD. Lean on the LORD.

In acknowledging our need for him, he will direct us in the pathways of life.

Application

These two verses are ones that many Christians have memorized and heard throughout their lives. At the same time I’m afraid that we may not truly live by these words.

The imagery of leaning is powerful. When I lean on someone or something, I also trust and/or believe that they will be able to support me. They hold me up when I am in need.

Solomon was tempted to lean into his own understanding and at some point I’m afraid that he moved away from his own advice. It’s easy when we are new in the faith to be excited about how God is leading and we lean into him, but then the older we get and the more familiar it all becomes, there is a tendency to lean into ourselves.

Maybe it’s time to re-embrace this familiar passage. No matter how smart or how educated we may be, we need to lean into God. We need to trust him and his wisdom to lead us throughout the paths of life. We all need to lean — but in the right direction.

Prayer

Lord, may I lean into you today.  Amen.

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