When Trust Doesn’t Make Sense #TheGoodSteward
A reflection on Proverbs 3:5–6 and the quiet courage of letting go
“Lean not on your own understanding.”
It’s one of the first scriptures I learned when I first started following Jesus—Proverbs 3:5–6 is basically Christian life 101. This morning when I read it (I’m reading through the Proverbs currently), I could feel God was inviting me deeper into the heart of what it really means to trust Him.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Let’s be honest here - I like understanding. I like plans, timelines, and checklists. I like knowing what’s next and how it all fits. But this scripture reminds me that the very absence of certainty is the thing that strengthens my faith.
And that’s hard.
Especially when the path doesn’t match the plan.
Especially when my own understanding tells me I should be further along by now.
But the more I try to lean on what makes sense to me, the more anxious I become.
The more I lean on Him, the more peace I find—even if I still don’t have all the answers.
For the past few days, I’ve been practicing daily rhythms—starting my mornings in prayer, tending to my body with intention, and working with focus instead of pressure. I’ve been making small choices that say, “God, I trust You more than I trust my logic.”
And through that I’m learning that trust is not passive. It’s active. It looks like pausing before rushing ahead, praying before planning, choosing faith even when fear is loud, and honoring the slow, sacred work He’s doing beneath the surface.
So if you’re in a season of waiting or wandering, I pray you find comfort in this:
You don’t have to figure it all out today.
You don’t have to carry what was never yours to hold.
You don’t have to have the answers.
You just have to lean.
Not on your understanding—but on His.
📝 Journal Prompt:
Where in my life am I still leaning on my own understanding, and what would it look like to trust God more deeply in that area?
🙏🏽 A Prayer to Close
Lord,
I want to trust You—not just with the easy things, but with the unknowns that make my heart restless. Teach me to lean not on my own understanding, but to rest in Yours. When I’m tempted to grasp for control, remind me that Your ways are higher, Your timing is perfect, and Your love is steady.
Help me pause before I strive, submit before I plan, and believe even when I can’t see the way forward.
Make my path straight—not always easy, but clear with Your presence.
And when I forget, gently lead me back to trust again.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
💌 A Note from Alysha
This space is for all of us learning to steward our lives with grace, faith, and intention. If this reflection met you where you are, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment, share with a friend, or reply to this email with how God is inviting you to trust more deeply right now.
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-AS
