Acknowledge the Lord in All Thy Ways

Based on Scott Mitchell's Bible Lesson Acknowledge the Lord in All Thy Ways | Trusting God for a Closer Walk

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6, KJV

This command is simple in wording, but lifelong in practice. To trust the Lord is not merely to believe He exists. It is to rely on Him. To acknowledge Him is not to give Him a passing thought. It is to know Him, regard Him, and walk as though He is present in every moment.

Acknowledging the Lord is not an occasional act—it is a way of living.

What Does It Mean to “Acknowledge”?

The word “acknowledge” in Proverbs 3:6 comes from the Hebrew word:

יָדַע — yâda‛ (yaw-dah’)

To know, to recognize, to perceive, to regard, to be aware, to understand, to be acquainted with, to have respect for, to be intimate with.

This is not surface-level awareness. This is relational knowing. It is the same root idea used in Genesis when Adam “knew” Eve (Genesis 4:1). It speaks of closeness, familiarity, and shared life.

To acknowledge the Lord is to live as one who knows Him—not merely one who knows about Him.

The First Problem: Man Choosing His Own Way

The first time this word appears in Scripture connects to the fall.

“And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil…” — Genesis 3:22

Man chose to decide for himself what was right and wrong. Instead of trusting God’s wisdom, he leaned on his own understanding. That same spirit remains today.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” — Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” — Proverbs 16:25

Man’s way leads to death. God’s way is life.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death… therefore choose life.” — Deuteronomy 30:19

To acknowledge God is to choose His way over man’s way.

Knowing God Is Not Occasional

Acknowledging the Lord is not something done only in church, only in crisis, or only before ministry. It is done in:

• Work

• Rest

• Decisions

• Conversation

• Solitude

• Gratitude

• Suffering

• Joy

  
  

Acknowledging God means living as though He is present in every moment. It requires constant communication. It is walking as though He is a close companion, not a distant observer.

When God is only spoken to in moments of need, the relationship becomes conditional instead of continual.

Paul’s Desire Was Not Religion—It Was Christ

Paul had religion. He had status. He had knowledge. And he cast it all aside.

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…” — Philippians 3:8“

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection…” — Philippians 3:10

The Greek word for “know” is:

γινώσκω — ginōskō

To know, to perceive, to understand, to recognize, to become acquainted with.

Paul did not want information about Christ. He wanted intimacy with Christ.That is what acknowledging the Lord looks like.

Being Filled With the Spirit

“See then that ye walk circumspectly… redeeming the time…” — Ephesians 5:15–16“Be filled with the Spirit… giving thanks always…” — Ephesians 5:18–20

Being filled is not passive. It is lived out through:

• Constant communication

• Worship in daily life

• Gratitude in all things

“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” — Colossians 3:15“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” — Colossians 3:16“

And whatsoever ye do… do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks…” — Colossians 3:17

Acknowledging Him means inviting Him into every word, every action, and every thought.

Guarding the Heart Through Constant Awareness

“Rejoice in the Lord alway…” — Philippians 4:4“

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” — Philippians 4:6

"And the peace of God… shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

Acknowledging God produces communication.Communication produces trust. Trust produces peace.

“And sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…” — 1 Peter 3:15

He must not only be spoken of—He must be set apart 

Choose Life

Many desire a closer walk with the Lord, yet do not realize that the greatest obstacle is often self. When Christ is only acknowledged in moments of need or moments of service, the relationship becomes conditional instead of continual.

God is not needed only in crisis. He is needed every moment.

Man’s way is the way of death.God’s way is life.

Therefore, choose life.

Choose to acknowledge Him at the start of the day.

Choose to acknowledge Him in labor and rest.

Choose to acknowledge Him when no one sees.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:6