"Thriving or Surviving"

I. Where is your trust? (vs.5)

A. In your job, in your money, in your family, in things you have acquired (home, cars, business etc…)

B. Things are always competing for our attention and affection. They are only resources, not our source.

C. Our text tells us to put all of our trust in the Lord.

Ps. 118:8 - It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

D. Secondly - don’t lean on your own ideas and plans.

a. Lean - to support one’s self

b. We don’t have the capacity to live life apart from God.

Acts 17:28 - For in him we live and move and have our being.

Proverbs 23:4,5 - (4) Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! (5) Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

c. Don’t be your own counselor! - (vs.7) Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

II. What should I entrust to the Lord? (vs.6a)

A. Everything!

Give God your strengths and weakness. Don’t rely on what you think you can do without God’s leadership.

Proverbs 16:3 - Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.

I Chron. 28:9 - “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

Phil. 4:6,7 - (6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

III. Why should I trust the Lord? (vs.6b)

A. God will make our path (our life) “smooth” = “favored”, “blessed”

Not devoid of trouble, problems or cares. But a life that has been made just or right.

God will give us JOY in this journey!

God will grace us with favor and blessings in this life!

God will never fail us! Never forsake us! Never leave us!

TRUST THE LORD AND WE WILL THRIVE IN HIM THIS YEAR NOT JUST SURVIVE!