S – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 

Proverbs 3:5–6 ESV

O –  Commentary:

To trust in the Lord wholeheartedly means one should not rely (lean) on his understanding, for human insights are never enough. God’s ways are incomprehensible (Isa. 55:8–9; Rom. 11:33–34); yet He is trustworthy. All the wisdom a person may acquire can never replace the need for full trust in God’s superior ways. Heart in Hebrew refers to one’s emotions (Prov. 12:25; 13:12; 14:10, 13) but more often to his intellect (such as understanding, 10:8; discernment, 15:14; reflection, 15:28), or will (5:12).

As a person trusts in the Lord and acknowledges Him (this is not a nod of recognition but an intimate knowledge of God) in all his ways (cf. all your heart, 3:5), he finds that God makes his paths straight. This means more than guidance; it means God removes the obstacles, making a smooth path or way of life, or perhaps better, bringing one to the appointed goal. (On ways and paths, cf. v. 17 and see comments on 2:13, 15.) Proverbs teaches that those who follow wisdom have an easier, less problematic life 

 Sid S. Buzzell, “Proverbs,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 911.

A – Such a powerful premise – trust in God completely and not leaning on your own understanding.  Eliminating the self from our will and purpose is practically impossible.  But the more we invite God into our lives, it dictates our actions and situations on a larger scale, causing us to trust him more.  It all starts with trusting him where we are today.

R – Heavenly Father, you are trustworthy and your plans for us are good.  Help us to step even deeper into our faith and reliance upon you.  Give us the courage to allow you to work in us so that our hearts align with you.