“In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

The dawn of a new year often brings a flood of decisions, resolutions, and changes. For many, the path forward is unclear, and the weight of choices—whether in relationships, careers, or personal growth—can feel overwhelming. As we begin 2025, this verse from Proverbs 3:6 reminds us that clarity and guidance come when we trust and submit our ways to God.

Proverbs 3:6 gives a simple yet profound directive: “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” It’s not just a promise but also a principle. The Hebrew word for “submit” can also mean “acknowledge,” suggesting an intimate recognition of God in every aspect of life. When we invite God into our decision-making, we align ourselves with His wisdom and direction, which far surpass our limited understanding.

Life’s decisions—whether monumental or mundane—are often a source of anxiety. Yet God promises to guide us when we lean on Him. Consider these words from Psalm 32:8 (NIV): “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” God’s loving guidance isn’t just available; it’s personal and tailored to our needs.

Submitting to God doesn’t mean passivity; it’s an active process of seeking His will. Here are some steps to integrate Proverbs 3:6 into your decision-making:

1. Pray with Specificity
   Bring your concerns to God in prayer. Whether it’s a job decision, a relationship, or a personal struggle, lay it before Him. As Paul encourages in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
2. Seek God’s Word
   Scripture is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105, NIV). Search the Bible for wisdom related to your situation. Whether it’s about integrity, relationships, or courage, God’s Word provides timeless principles.
3. Wait on the Lord
   Sometimes, the answer doesn’t come immediately. Waiting can be challenging, but God uses waiting to shape us. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) reminds us: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
4. Be Open to God’s Direction
   God’s answer may not always align with what we desire, but it will always be what’s best. As Jesus prayed in Luke 22:42 (NIV): “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Trusting God means yielding our plans to His perfect will.

Biblical Examples of Trusting God

1. Abraham’s Journey of Faith
   Abraham’s life is a testament to trusting God’s direction. When God called him to leave his homeland, He didn’t provide a detailed map, only a promise: “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1, NIV). Abraham obeyed, and God’s promise of blessing and a great nation was fulfilled. Abraham’s example teaches us that faith doesn’t require knowing every step—it requires trusting the One who guides.
2. Mary’s Submission to God’s Plan
   When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, her life was forever changed. Though young and betrothed, Mary embraced God’s will with these words: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38, NIV). Mary’s faith reminds us that submitting to God’s plan, even when it disrupts our expectations, leads to His greater glory.
3. The Israelites’ Crossing of the Red Sea
   When the Israelites faced the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army behind them, panic set in. But God, through Moses, parted the sea, making a way where there was none. Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV) records Moses’ words: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today… The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” God’s miraculous intervention teaches us that He can make a path even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

God’s promise to direct our paths is as true today as it was for Abraham, Mary, or the Israelites. While His guidance may not always come through miraculous signs, He leads through His Word, prayer, the counsel of wise believers, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

James 1:5 (NIV) encourages us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” When we seek Him with a sincere heart, He will provide clarity.

One of the greatest challenges in submitting to God is timing. We live in a fast-paced world that prizes instant results, but God operates on His timeline. His delays are not denials—they are opportunities for growth, faith, and deeper trust in His character.

Consider the words of Lamentations 3:25-26 (NIV): “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Patience is a spiritual discipline that aligns us with God’s timing.

To help build your faith and see God’s hand at work, start a prayer journal this year. Write down your prayers and review them regularly, noting how and when God answers. Over time, this practice will encourage you as you see the evidence of His faithfulness.

As you face decisions in 2025, remember Proverbs 3:6. Whether your need is immediate or long-term, God is faithful to guide you when you trust Him. Resist the temptation to rely solely on your understanding or rush into decisions out of fear or pressure.

Instead, submit your ways to Him, seek His wisdom, and trust that He will make your paths straight. He is not just a guide but a loving Father who desires the best for you.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

Let this be your guiding verse for the year ahead. As you step into the unknown, walk with confidence, knowing that the One who holds the future also holds your hand.