07/24/2026
I'm more of the thinker type. I spend lots of time by myself, in my own head. (It's fun there!) Unless I'm pressured by someone for an immediate answer, I usually think before I speak. There are pros and cons for us thinker types. One pro is that given ample time, thinker types will say something quite profound. One con is that thinker types can unconsciously head down too many paths of analysis (scenarios and outcomes) simultaneously and get stuck -- akin to "analysis paralysis". During these situations, I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6:
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. (KJV)
Let's break this down. The word "trust" in this passage means to to hurry or run quickly toward a safe place or shelter when you are in danger. God is our refuge (or place of safety) when we are in trouble, and He wants us to run quickly to him in our times of need.
The word "heart" here is not talking about your internal organ. It is being used more figuratively to mean your soul (emotions, will and mind) or feelings and intellect -- i.e., the way you're thinking/feeling.
"Lean" in this context most closely means to support one's self or even to rely on.
The word "ways" translates literally to road (the kind trodden or walked on) and figuratively to course of life or mode of action. The key word here is "all". More on that in a moment.
"Acknowledge" means to know or ascertain by seeing. What are you doing when you see someone you know? You are recognizing them.
"Direct" means to make straight (or even right, pleasant or prosperous).
"Paths" are well trodden roads.
In sum, God loves us so much. He doesn't want us to to get stuck in our feelings, overwhelmed or confused in our way of thinking or to ultimately choose the wrong course of action. Instead, he wants us to come to him quickly at the first hint of trouble in anything and everything. (There's that word "all". It means everything, no matter how small it seems to us.) By doing so, we demonstrate that we see that He cares for us and in return He will give us the right, proven way to success. Confusion, overwhelm and/or wrong thinking leads to broken souls. Then we have to run to Jesus for soul restoration (mending of what is broken). So we may as well go to God first. Essentially all roads lead to Jesus who is God. No analysis paralysis. Just Jesus.
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.
