“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, there’s an ancient stone bridge known as the ‘Old Packhorse Bridge.’ This bridge, despite its age and seemingly fragile structure, has stood the test of time, weathering fierce storms and heavy foot traffic. It serves as a vital connection between two parts of the rugged terrain. Locals trust this bridge implicitly, believing in its strength and reliability, despite its old and worn appearance.

This enduring trust in the bridge parallels the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Just as the locals rely on the bridge to safely carry them across, we are called to place our trust in God, even when His plans seem as precarious as an ancient bridge.

Our life journey often leads us across uncertain and challenging terrains. During these times, our human instinct is to rely on our understanding and judgment. However, God asks us to trust Him completely, even when the path He leads us on seems unfathomable or risky. Trusting God means acknowledging that His wisdom and knowledge surpass our own.

Consider the bridge: it does not waver because it was built on strong foundations. Similarly, when we trust in God, we anchor ourselves in His unshakeable strength and wisdom. God’s guidance is like the strong, steady bridge over the turbulent waters of life. When we lean on our understanding, we rely on the fragile, often misleading, constructions of human reasoning. But trusting in God provides a sturdy path across life’s uncertainties.

In times of decision-making, challenges, or when facing the unknown, let’s remember to trust in God as wholeheartedly as the locals trust their ancient bridge. His path may not always be the easiest, but it is always the best.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where in my life am I relying more on my understanding than on God’s wisdom?
2. What steps can I take to deepen my trust in God during uncertain times?
3. How have I experienced the strength and reliability of God’s guidance in the past?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to trust in You wholeheartedly, especially when I face life’s uncertainties. Strengthen my faith in Your wisdom and guidance. When I am tempted to lean on my understanding, remind me of Your unending love and the surety of Your ways. Guide me on the path that You have laid out for me, and help me to see Your hand at work in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.