Read

Proverbs 3:5–6 "Trust in the lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Think

There's a moment in every run when your brain says, “This route is dumb. Take the shortcut.” It might be because you're tired or because you're sure there's a better way. Either way, the temptation is real: abandon the plan and make your own path.

That's exactly what Jonah did. God gave him a direction. Jonah didn't like it. So he ran the other way. It wasn't just fear—it was pride, distrust, and a deep-down belief that his way would be safer, smarter, or at least less uncomfortable.

Sound familiar? We feel the nudge to forgive—but pull away. We sense the call to speak truth—but stay silent. We hear, "Let go"—and grip tighter. So often, it's not that we don't hear God—it's that we don't like where he's pointing.

But Proverbs 3 flips that instinct on its head. The way forward isn't found in figuring everything out. It's found in trusting the one who already has.

The Hebrew word for trust means “to lie face down”—total surrender. Not giving God the wheel while we keep the GPS but handing over the whole thing. Map, timing, detours, destination. And here's the promise: he will make your path straight. That doesn't mean easy. It means purposeful. Clear. Directed. Not straight like a sidewalk, but straight like an arrow—on target, even through resistance.

You don't need a shortcut. You need surrender. Because God isn't just plotting your path—he's shaping you through it.

Apply

What's one area where you've been leaning on your own understanding instead of trusting God's lead? Maybe it's a conversation you're avoiding, a decision you're delaying, or something you just can't seem to release. Call it out. Then, take one step today in his direction, even if it feels small or slow. The path gets straighter with every step of trust.

Pray

Father, I admit that I've been leaning on my own understanding. I like being in control. I like knowing the plan. But I know your ways are better. Help me surrender what I can't see and trust where you're leading. Make my path straight—even if it doesn't feel smooth. I want to follow you. In Jesus' name. Amen.