Daily Devotions

Proverbs 3:6 – "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."

This verse is one we often encounter—found in devotional books, on bookmarks, or written on cards offering encouragement. But the comfort it offers isn’t just because it’s familiar. It carries with it a promise: when we acknowledge God, He guides our way.

But what does it mean to “acknowledge” Him?

The Hebrew word for "acknowledge" here is yada, a term that goes far beyond a simple greeting or casual recognition. Yada speaks of an intimate, deep, experiential knowledge. To acknowledge God in all your ways means more than just saying His name in passing—it means inviting Him into every corner of your life: your decisions, your values, your habits, and your relationships. It’s about living in a way that God isn’t just an afterthought but the very centre of all you do.

In other words, we don’t only turn to God in times of crisis. We walk with Him daily, seeking His wisdom, trusting His timing, and surrendering to His direction—even when it leads us in ways we didn’t expect.

One author paints a vivid picture of this by comparing it to a pilot landing an aircraft at night. In the dark, visibility is low, and the pilot has no choice but to rely entirely on the runway lights. If the lights are aligned, the landing will be safe. If they’re misaligned, the landing becomes perilous.

Anne Graham Lotz uses this imagery to explain spiritual discernment. When seeking God’s will, she suggests looking for four “runway lights” that should align before we move forward:

1. God’s Word – Does the decision align with Scripture?

2. Inner Peace – Is there a sense of peace or unease that the Spirit brings?

3. Circumstances – Are doors opening or closing around this decision?

4. Godly Counsel – What are wise, spiritually mature people saying about this?

When these lights line up, we can move forward with confidence. God may not always speak in dramatic ways—like through a burning bush or thunderous clouds—but He does speak clearly through His Word, His Spirit, His people, and His providence.

To “acknowledge” God means trusting Him, even when we can’t see the end of the road. His promise? He will make our path straight—not always easy, but purposeful. Not always quick, but sure.

Prayer:

Lord,
I want to honour You in every step I take.
Help me to acknowledge You, not just in the big decisions but in the everyday choices too.
Let Your Word be my guide, Your Spirit my peace, Your people my wisdom, and Your providence my direction.
Direct my path, Lord—not for my convenience, but for Your glory.
Keep me close to Jesus, who walks before me, beside me, and within me.
Amen.