Acknowledge Him

Prov 3:6

6              In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (NKJ)

I am sure most of you are familiar with this verse as well as the verse above it, but I ask you if you know what it actually means to acknowledge God?  Some will say it is recognizing that God is God.  Well, I have to agree that is part of it.  But when the Hebrew writers spoke of acknowledging something, it meant more than saying to themselves, “Ok, I know God is God.”  It meant saying to themselves that God was God of their current situation and that not only did they recognize God was in control of that situation, but they needed to live in full recognition of God’s will in that situation.  How did they recognize God’s will?  For one thing they searched the scriptures.  An example is the church in Berea.

Acts 17:11

11            These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (KJV)

These Jews in Berea were typical Jews who knew that when they experienced new things whether it be teachings or things that happened to them, they searched the scriptures.  The difference between these Jews and the many Jews Paul met elsewhere was these particular Jews not only had a right heart toward God, but they wanted to know the truth and wanted to do the right thing.  They knew scriptures would shed light on their questions.  You can bet also that they prayed for God’s revelation on the subject Paul brought before them. 

So to acknowledge God means also to seek God’s will and wisdom for your situation recognizing that He is your boss and your guide and once finding what God wants you doing, you go do it.  You see the Jewish mind almost always connected action to mental belief.  You could not say you believed something unless it showed in your actions.  People would know you weren’t telling the truth if your actions did not confirm what you said you believed.  Perhaps now (if it has been a problem) you can see what the apostle James was trying to get across to people about works.  He was saying the works proved what you said about your faith.  Talk is cheap, actions are proof. 

What in your life are you saying you are believing but refusing to show that belief by your actions?  Any area in your life where you are not responding in action according to what you are telling people you believe regarding the Christian life is an area in which you have not acknowledged God.  Remember, when we acknowledge God, we are accepting His right of rulership over us, His right to tell us what to do, and it is our responsibility to do it.  Let’s look at Prov 3:5

Prov 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; (NKJ)

Do you see why this is verse 5?  In order to acknowledge God, you have to obey verse 5 first.  And note the last half of verse 5.  Lean not on your own understanding.  Don’t operate by and live by what you are able to see, perceive, reason, and understand.  Live instead by what God says.  That is trusting Him.  That is putting your faith in Him and not yourself.

Are you putting your faith in Him today?  Are you putting your faith in Him this week?  If so, acknowledge Him.  Show it by your actions.  Then people will know you have faith. 

Have a great weekend.  Your Good News Lady