Trusting God Instead of Yourself With Every Decision

Hey, carpool crew. Maybe you're in the car, maybe you're sitting on the couch relaxing with a blanket, or maybe you are pulling on a sweatshirt before the day gets started. However you're listening, I want you to know this. I'm really glad you're here. I'm Pastor Justin, and thanks for listening to Carpooling with Jesus today. Our verse today comes from Proverbs chapter three, verses five and six. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways know him and he will make your path straight. I remember when I was a kid memorizing those verses with my mom, one of my happiest memories. And these verses are at the heart of Solomon's message. He's saying, don't try to be the boss of your own life. God knows more. He sees more. He can lead us better. In Bible times, a straight path was a safe path, a good path. Not always easy, but not one where you could constantly be getting lost or getting hurt. And this was the kind of thing Jesus would've grown up memorizing. Imagine Jesus as a 10-year-old sitting in the temple writing this verse down. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He lived it, and now he invites you to do the same thing. So let's be real. Sometimes we think we know what's best, like I know how to handle this argument. I know what to say or what to do to fit in. I know how to make everyone laugh. I know how far I can go before I get caught. But Solomon is saying, stop trusting your brain with every single decision. Trust God. Let him guide you like a GPS, not just once, but in all your ways. If Jesus were in the car with you on the way to school or sitting at the table eating some of that chocolate chip muffin, I think he'd say, you don't have to figure it all out. Just follow me. I'll show you where to go. When Jesus called his disciples, he didn't hand them a full map. He said, follow me. And step by step, he led them on a better path. Imagine you go to a skate park, or even an indoor skate park with ramps, and you've never been there before. It looks awesome, but the layout, it's kind of confusing. A local kid comes over and says, hey, follow me. I'll show you the lines that flow so you don't get hurt. You could try it alone, or you could trust the one who knows. That's what it's like to trust God with your life. He's not trying to hold you back. He's helping you avoid the wipeouts. So what are some ways we can apply this today? First, start your day with God. I trust you. If you have something to say, I'm listening. Also, when you don't know what to do, don't fake it. Just pray. Ask a teacher. Ask your parent when you get home. Ask someone that cares about you that you trust. Lastly, let God's word have the final say, not your emotions, not your opinions or how you feel at that exact time. Remember verses like Proverbs three, five and six, because while it might be new to us, none of it is new to God. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if this podcast is helping your family follow Jesus, share it with a parent friend so they can discover the podcast too. And before you go, answer this question together. What's one decision you are facing where you need to trust God more than yourself? Thanks for watching and listening to Carpooling with Jesus. Be sure to check out our other episodes and follow us on Instagram at carpooling with Jesus. We're really glad you're part of the Carpool Crew. We'll see you next time.