Acknowledge Him
Many people are saying that one of their most favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6. And I in the same boat. For many years, I quote it all the time. But do I really understand its meaning? Apparently, it takes me long time to have a deeper understanding until I find this key...
ENGLISH - HEARING GOD'S VOICE
YTM
4/5/20263 min read
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. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The verse 5 and 6 come as the second point after the verse 1 and 2. My son, forget not my law; But let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, And peace, shall they add to thee. The author was telling his son that he should pay attention to his teachings, law and commands if he wants to live a long, and peaceful (shalom) life.
The Hebrew word shalom has much more than the meaning of peace. It means peace, completeness, wholeness, and prosperity. So, this word describes a wholeness in every aspect of a person's life, peace in mind and soul, health in body, and prosper in everything he does. The teacher was saying to his son (daughter), if you want to live such a blessed (shalom) life, you will need to pay attention for the following commandments.
His first point is in verse 3 and 4: Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. In Psalm 85, regarding to the salvation of the Lord, the sons of Korah says: Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. (Psalms 85:9-10) And in the book of John, our Lord Jesus was the Word that came to live among us with grace and truth. So, the first point to have the blessed life is to let God's salvation, Jesus Christ- the Word of God, bind on our necks and printed upon our hearts. This echoes Psalm 1: Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth his fruit in his season; and his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.
His second point for a "shalom" life is in verse 5 and 6. This is talking about God's guidance on our life. When we walk in the path the Lord had for us, there will be provision, rest, restoration, protection, and righteousness. This reminded me the Psalm 23: 1-4: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Now, how can we walk in the path that the Lord had for us? How will we know which way to go in our life? I had puzzled this for long time. Whenever I quote these verses, I say, Lord! I trust in you and I have a choice to make today but I don't know which way to go. Lord, could you please tell me? Then I will go whatever I "felt led", but sometimes things do not work out well. I then will say, Lord, I am confused. I "did acknowledge you" on this matter, why this not working? Until, one day, I checked the Hebrew word of "acknowledge".
The word "acknowledge" in English means admitting the truth, or recognizing a person's authority and status. So, when I trust in the Lord, I am admitting the truth is that He is "the Way", and recognizing His authority over my situation. The Hebrew word for "acknowledge" is "yada" in the Bible. The basic meaning of Yada is "to know". However, it goes far beyond the simple cognitive awareness. In the Bible, it carries two significant meanings. Firstly, it refers to an intimate, first-hand, experiential, and relational type of understanding. Yada describes a deep relational closeness, such as, including the intimate, physical union between a husband and wife (e.g., "Adam knew(yada) Eve his wife"). Secondly, it frequently describes a deep, personal, and covenantal relationship with God rather than just knowing about Him. If we bring this understanding into the picture, then the true meaning of "acknowledge Him in ALL my ways" becomes more interactive, relational, and personal. It also becomes a "process", not just a simple prayer of acknowledgement. "To Yada Him" is based on the relationship with the Lord, knowing of His character, and knowing Him as a God, Father, Lord, Husband, King and Friend personally to you. Things may not work out as we wanted, but because of the efforts and process of "yada(ing)" Him, eventually, He will direct our paths! In this process, we will know (yada) Him more and be known by Him.
This process is vital in our walking with the Lord because it is written: And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (John 17:3)