Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans

The new year often feels like a blank page in a journal—a fresh start, filled with possibilities, hopes, and uncertainties. It’s a time when we dream about new goals, consider changes, and envision a brighter future. But along with these dreams comes a sense of the unknown. Imagine standing at the edge of a vast, uncharted forest. The path ahead is filled with twists and turns, moments of breathtaking beauty, and challenges hidden in the shadows. You carry a map, but it’s incomplete. Questions fill your mind: Which way should you go? What lies beyond the next bend? Will you have the strength to face what comes?  

This is what the journey into a new year feels like for many of us. We have plans, aspirations, and ideas about how life should unfold, but uncertainties loom large. Life’s unpredictable nature can bring moments of doubt and fear. Yet, in these moments, God invites us to trust Him. His Word offers assurance and guidance: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  

This promise reminds us that we are not journeying alone. The God who created the universe walks with us, offering wisdom, strength, and direction. Today, as we begin a new year, let’s reflect on how trusting in God can transform the road ahead. We will explore:  

1. Why we can trust God,  

2. How to walk in His ways, and  

3. The blessings that come from relying on Him.  

As we embark on this journey together, let us step forward with faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.  

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

Trusting someone requires understanding their character. Proverbs 3:5 calls us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” This is not partial trust or trust reserved for certain areas of our lives; it is wholehearted reliance on God. But why can we trust Him so completely? The answer lies in His flawless character.  

God is faithful. Throughout Scripture, we see a God who keeps His promises. In Numbers 23:19, we are reminded, “God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” His faithfulness is unwavering, and His words are always true.  

God is good. His plans for us are rooted in love and compassion. Psalm 145:9 says, “The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.” Even when circumstances seem difficult, God’s goodness assures us that He is working all things for our ultimate good.  

God is unchanging. In a world where everything feels uncertain, He is a firm foundation. Malachi 3:6 declares, “I the Lord do not change.” This means the same God who provided for His people in the past will provide for us today and tomorrow.  

The story of Abraham beautifully illustrates why we can trust God. Abraham was called to leave his home and journey to an unknown land, relying solely on God’s promise. Hebrews 11:8 recounts, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Abraham’s trust was not based on knowing every detail of the journey but on knowing the God who had called him.  

In our own lives, we may face seasons of uncertainty, where the path ahead seems unclear. But just as God was faithful to Abraham, He is faithful to us. He has proven His trustworthiness in countless ways, most notably through the gift of His Son. Romans 8:32 reminds us, “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and faithfulness.  

When we reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past, it gives us courage to trust Him with the future. Think of the Israelites, who were led through the Red Sea on dry ground. They had seen God’s miraculous deliverance, and that memory was meant to strengthen their trust in Him for the challenges ahead. Similarly, when we remember how God has provided, protected, and guided us, our trust in Him grows.  

God is not just a distant guide; He is a loving Father who desires the best for His children. In Matthew 7:11, Jesus says, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

Trusting God is not a leap into the unknown but a step onto the solid ground of His character. He is faithful, good, and unchanging—worthy of our wholehearted trust.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

Proverbs 3:6 invites us to “acknowledge Him in all our ways.” But what does this mean in the practical day-to-day moments of life? To walk in God’s ways means to intentionally seek His will in every area of our lives—our decisions, relationships, careers, and dreams. It means leaning on His infinite wisdom rather than our own limited understanding.  

Imagine a tightrope walker high above the ground, balancing on a thin wire. Their success depends on fixing their focus on a stable point and trusting their tools to guide them. In a similar way, walking with God requires fixing our eyes on Him and trusting His Word as our guide. Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word provides clarity and direction, even in life’s most uncertain moments.  

Walking in God’s ways involves three key practices: prayer, surrender, and obedience.  

1. Prayer 

Prayer is the starting point for aligning our hearts with God’s will. It is through prayer that we invite Him into our plans and ask for His guidance. Philippians 4:6 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” When we pray, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and open our hearts to His leading.  

Walking with God also means surrendering our own understanding and trusting His wisdom. This is perhaps the most challenging aspect, as it requires humility and faith. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”  

Surrendering to God doesn’t mean passivity; it means actively letting go of our limited perspective and trusting that He sees the bigger picture. It’s like handing over the map to a guide who knows the terrain better than we ever could.  

Finally, walking in God’s ways requires obedience. This means stepping out in faith, even when the path ahead is unclear. Jesus provides the ultimate example of this. In John 6:38, He said, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.” Jesus’ life was marked by complete obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8).  

Obedience often requires courage. Consider Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus (Matthew 14:28-29). His faith allowed him to take those first steps, but his focus on Jesus sustained him. Similarly, our obedience flows from trust in God and grows stronger as we keep our eyes fixed on Him.  

When we walk in God’s ways, we align ourselves with His perfect plan, which leads to peace and fulfillment. As Proverbs 16:3 encourages, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Trusting His guidance allows us to live in confidence, knowing that He will direct our steps and provide for every need along the way.

(Proverbs 3:6)

When we place our trust in God and walk in His ways, we open ourselves to blessings beyond anything we could imagine. Proverbs 3:6 assures us that when we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He “will make straight your paths.” This promise doesn’t mean that the journey of life will be devoid of obstacles or challenges. Rather, it means that God will guide us through them, providing direction, support, and ultimately bringing His purposes to fruition in our lives.

Consider the story of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Their journey through the wilderness was anything but easy. They faced hunger, thirst, and uncertainty. Yet, God was with them every step of the way, providing for their needs in miraculous ways. Deuteronomy 2:7 reflects on this period, stating, “The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.” Despite the harsh conditions, they lacked nothing because God was their provider.

Another example is Joseph, whose life was filled with ups and downs. Sold into slavery by his brothers, unjustly imprisoned, and forgotten, Joseph had every reason to despair. Yet, he remained faithful, trusting in God’s plan. In the end, God elevated him to a position of great authority in Egypt, using him to save many lives during a severe famine. Joseph recognized God’s hand in his journey, telling his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” His story illustrates how trusting God can lead to outcomes far greater than we can envision.

Trusting God also brings an inner peace that transcends understanding. Life is full of situations that can cause anxiety and fear, but when we rely on God, we find calmness amid the storms. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace is not dependent on circumstances; it’s a gift that comes from knowing God is in control.

Moreover, trusting God enriches our relationships. When we rely on His guidance, we become more compassionate, patient, and understanding towards others. Proverbs 16:7 says, “When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.” Our trust in God can transform our interactions, fostering harmony and reconciliation.

The ultimate blessing of trusting God is a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. As we depend on Him, our faith grows stronger. We begin to experience His presence more profoundly, discovering the joy and fulfillment that come from walking closely with our Creator. Psalm 37:4 invites us, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” This doesn’t mean we receive everything we want, but that our desires align with His will, leading to true satisfaction.

In trusting God, we also become a beacon of hope to others. Our lives can testify to God’s faithfulness, encouraging those around us to seek Him. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” By living a life of trust, we reflect God’s love and draw others toward Him.

In summary, the blessings of trusting God are manifold: guidance through life’s complexities, provision in times of need, peace that calms our anxieties, enriched relationships, and a deepened connection with God Himself. These blessings don’t mean life will be without hardship, but they assure us that we are never alone and that God is actively working in and through us.

As we step into new chapters of our lives, let us embrace the invitation to trust God fully. Remember the words of Jeremiah 17:7-8: “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” May we be like that tree, flourishing because our trust is rooted in the Lord.

Picture yourself on a winding road through a dense forest. The path ahead is uncertain, shrouded in twists and turns. At times, it feels overwhelming, and you’re unsure of which direction to take. But then, in the distance, a light shines brightly, offering guidance and reassurance. This is the journey of life with God. Though we may not see the full picture, we trust in the One who does.  

As we step into this new year, we are invited to walk this path of faith, trusting God to guide our steps. His promise in Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us confidence: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Trusting God means surrendering our plans and acknowledging Him in every aspect of our lives, knowing that He is faithful to lead us.  

This trust is not a one-time resolution but a daily commitment to rely on His wisdom rather than our own. It is an invitation to experience His peace in times of uncertainty, His provision in seasons of need, and His unshakable presence in every moment. When we embrace this trust, we discover blessings that surpass our understanding—blessings of direction, strength, and the joy of walking closely with our Creator.  

Let this year be a journey of trust and hope. Together, let us commit to trusting God wholeheartedly, acknowledging Him in all our ways, and resting in the assurance that He will make our paths straight. This is not just a new year’s goal—it is the essence of a life lived in step with God.

Let’s pray together.

Heavenly Father, as we step into this new year, we thank You for Your faithfulness. Help us to trust You with all our hearts, to acknowledge You in every decision, and to walk in Your ways. Teach us to surrender our plans to Your perfect will and to rely on Your wisdom rather than our own.  

Lord, guide our paths, bring peace to our hearts, and deepen our relationship with You. May this year be filled with opportunities to grow in faith, serve others, and reflect Your love to the world.  

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.