October 9, 2021: The Big Picture

“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” (Prov. 3:5–6, NIV).

This verse reminds me to trust in the Lord, regardless of whatever is going on in my life or the world. It points out that, although I may not understand things and/or people at times, if I acknowledge Him and continue to believe that He knows what’s best for me, everything will turn out fine.

When I was younger, I was certain I would marry one of the first guys I dated. When we broke up, I was devastated and so depressed that I didn’t think I could go on. I wasn’t familiar with Proverbs 3:5–6 at the time, but when I learned it, I related it to this terrible time in my life. I now have an incredible husband who I would have never met had I continued to date the first guy.

When I encounter challenges in my life that don’t make sense to me, I cling to this verse, knowing that I can’t always see the “big picture.” But God can and does. He wants what’s best for me. God is like the top of a puzzle box; He sees the whole picture, while we only see the individual pieces of the puzzle.

Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for promising to “make our paths straight.” Help us to submit our ways to You. Amen.

Nickie Pinnick is a member of the Beltsville church in Maryland.