“Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5
Dear Ones:
We often think of commitment in the context of our response to the call of God to follow Christ. This is a true and right concept, for what other valid response could there be by those who have been created by God, and for whom God’s Son was given as a sacrifice, to save all mankind? An integral part of this commitment to God, one of surrender and faith, is that of specific trust in a specific way, for a specific thing. This is where David brings us on the basis of his experience with God. He writes: “Commit your WAY unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” (Ps. 37:5) What is he seeking to communicate to us, so that we too, can know God in a specific, manifest way?
Certainly, the point of beginning in this exercise of faith, though not specifically declared, is the preoccupation with the ONE to whom any commitment is made, the Almighty God, for whom nothing is impossible, and whose ways are past finding out. The commitment is based upon the knowledge of the Lord, His character, ways, and faithfulness. The specific call of God is for the believer to take his stand upon this eternal Rock, believing in His love and power, and the certainty that He will act exactly according to what He has declared, regardless of whether one understands it or not. So, what is the essence of this commitment?
David writes: “Commit your WAY unto the Lord.” (v.5) What does this mean? Isaiah puts it like this: “…and the government shall be upon His shoulder.” (9:6) He is telling us that the authority, the decision, the knowledge of the will of God, is primary in the consideration of finding one’s way. Solomon, in Proverbs 3, tells us that we are to be absolutely shut up to God in this matter. He writes: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.” (3:5) In one of Jeremiah’s prayers, we discover the reason for this: “”O Lord, I KNOW that the way of man is NOT in himself: it is NOT in man that walks to direct his steps.” (10:23) How can we know the way in which we are to go, except GOD direct us. He alone knows us, our circumstances, and the reason for which He created and redeemed us. The question then becomes, “Can we trust Him to guide and lead us, revealing to us the way in which we are to go?” It is at this point that we must ask ourselves, “Will I truly COMMIT my way unto the Lord,” in order to know HIS way for me, for us?
The ACT of commitment is followed by an ATTITUDE of commitment. It is one thing to ask, take one’s stand, to believe God for the knowledge of HIS will. It is quite another thing to continue to maintain, or keep that position of faith, with thanksgiving and praise, until God makes the way clear. It is at this point that a good many believers falter, and doubt. Because of a lack of prayer, and thus, personal worship, they forget the ONE who is the Sovereign God, who is able to guide. Only by a life of prayer and worship can one maintain an attitude of faith. And example of this is when Peter stepped out of a boat, in the storm at sea. He walked on water, maintaining an attitude of faith. It is when the waves and wind became a greater reality than the Lord Jesus before him, that fear and doubt caused him to falter, and sink in the waves. Essential to faith is keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus.
What is the promise of commitment? Scripture is very clear what it is: “…and HE shall bring it to pass.” (v.7) Solomon wrote, “…and He shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:6) God WILL do it.
Dear Father, Give us grace to see Thee as the Faithful One, who works “beyond what we ask or think.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad