Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

If I eat a hot French fry, then …

If I jump from a tall tree, then …

If I practice the piano every day, then …

Some children learn cause and effect quickly.

If I eat the entire pizza, then …

If I pull the dog’s tail, then …

If I obey my parents, then …

Some children need cause and effect explained many times a day.

If I am a generous person, then …

If I drink water instead of soda, then …

If I tease my brother, then …

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Cause and effect is for grown-ups as well, and Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of many passages that teach us this vital concept.

IF

I trust in the Lord with all my heart—lean in on God with my full weight, give all I understand of myself to all I understand of Him, believe He will always do what’s best for me

AND

Lean not on my own understanding—My God-given emotions often spin out of control. When I’m super excited or over-the-top afraid, I’m more likely to make mistakes (aka sin). I try to remember not to trust my emotions as a guide for my choices.

AND

In all my ways acknowledge Him—my ways are my thoughts, words and actions. To acknowledge God is more than a nod and a “Hey, God, what’s up?” To acknowledge Him is to declare God is real and desires a close relationship with me. I acknowledge Him by asking for wisdom to make choices that honor Him, to rely on all I’ve learned from scripture to make a difference in my heart and life.

I acknowledge Him by asking for wisdom to make choices that honor Him, to rely on all I’ve learned from scripture to make a difference in my heart and life. •Shelley Pierce• @inthequiver #acknowledgeGod #parenthood

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THEN

He will direct my paths—He will lead me, watch over me, protect me. He will guide my decisions toward His purpose for my life.

God’s cause: Trust in Him with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways acknowledge Him.

God’s effect: God will direct my paths.

What incredible and profitable truths to apply in our own lives and teach our children! Is there any place more secure than in the center of God’s cause and effect?

Not in some ways or some days but always in all my ways.

Matthew Maher, What proverbs 3:5-6 Means to Me

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Additional Scriptures to explore cause and effect with our children:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life (Galatians 6:7-8).

If you love me, keep my commands (John 14:15).

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

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 (Isaiah 40:31).

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