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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 41

STUDY 41

Text: Proverbs 3:5-6
7 April 2002

Dear Parents,

TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO TRUST THE LORD
If you can, teach your children how to memorize God’s Word. Of course you must also take time to explain the text they are memorizing. Consider this text that many believers have memorized.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN TRUST IN THE LORD AND TRUST IN SELF
There will always be a tension between the concept of trusting in self, and trusting the Lord. Let’s try and understand the struggle better by spending time analysing it.

1. Valid trust in self

There is a trust of self that is valid. The following things may be noted:-
a) Confidence that comes from experience.
b) A positive stance that enables one to cope in life.

2. Where trust in self excludes God

Trust in self can become dangerous. The individual may become so sure of himself that he no longer thinks he needs God.
a) Pride comes in.
b) If uncontrolled, arrogance appears.

3. Trust in the Lord

a) We should exercise human responsibility.
b) We should use knowledge and wisdom.
c) We may need to call upon our experience.
d) However, our full trust is not in any of the above, but in the Lord.

EXPRESSIONS OF TRUST IN THE LORD
We are told how we may check ourselves as to whether we are trusting in the Lord.

1. Do we acknowledge the Lord and His Presence?
2. Do we commit all things to Him in faith and prayer?
3. Do we secretly trust ourselves more than we trust the Lord?
4. Do we believe that God will undertake to lead us in life?

Let us train our children to trust in the Lord. Let’s learn this lesson of trust too.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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