By Sandra Sheridan

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

It’s getting to be graduation season. Students are pushing through the final lap of their education race and preparing for exciting times ahead. There will be parties and gifts as friends and family celebrate a job well done. Proverbs 3:5-6 has been a mainstay of spiritual inspiration to encourage graduates to trust God for their future. There is no better advice for those just starting out and for those who have been living post-graduate life for years. Today more than ever, God’s children must trust Him and refuse to rely on our own understanding. When we acknowledge Him, He will keep us on the straight path.

It’s been 34 since I wore my college cap and gown. I graduated in 1989 with a degree in Early Childhood Education from William Patterson College in Paterson, N.J. At that time, I didn’t fully understand how important trusting God would be in my life ahead. But looking back I can see its importance and I can testify that He has never failed me once. Yes, there have been very difficult times, but all through the years He kept me moving forward and growing in faith.

The times I struggled the most were when I tried to come up with reasons for why things happen. Sometimes my prayers turned into a “fix-it” session as I tried to give God suggestions on how to remedy my difficulties. But eventually I started to catch on. Instead of trying to understand all the ins and outs of life I should just trust Him.

The ability to trust God more fully comes from a better and deeper knowledge of Who He is. As we learn about Him through the Bible, grasp onto His promises through the desperate times, and wait patiently for His answers we begin to experience a peace that is stronger than our understanding of the circumstances. Sometimes God eventually reveals the “whys,” but even when He doesn’t, we can rest, assured that our heavenly Father lovingly superintends everything in our lives for our good and for His glory.

So, congratulations, graduates! Party and celebrate well. You are finishing one race and beginning another with many exciting experiences ahead. But don’t ever forget this timely advice. It’s appropriate for today and for 34 years from today. Trust the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight.