Read

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.”

Think

Tiger Woods tends to trust himself above all else. He is a Buddhist. Buddhism teaches that human life is one of suffering and meditation, spiritual and physical labor, and good behavior will lead to enlightenment. Tiger’s leanings on Buddhism denies the existence of sin and God. Additionally, he believes in reincarnation as a Buddhist.

But if he trusted in the Lord and leaned on Jesus instead of himself as Proverbs says, he would live peacefully. This is where he would find true contentment and joy.

Buddhists are looking for Nirvana, their place of peace and contentment, but the reality is that when we follow our own plans and try to discern our own paths we mislead ourselves. We imagine the road is clear before us but it only leads to more wandering and strife.

Tiger believes that through meditation and detaching from desires, one can reach Nirvana and finally escape this cycle of suffering. Yet the Buddhist teachings offer no hope, no redemption, and no savior. There is no light to guide one's way out of darkness.

If Woods opened his heart to the Gospel, he would discover a hope and peace far greater than any Nirvana. He would find purpose and meaning in a loving God instead of an endless cycle of rebirth. By faith in Christ, sins are forgiven, purpose is restored, and joy is found. This is the true path to contentment.

Apply:

Write down today’s verse and put it in a prominent place where you will see it. Let it remind you of what putting your trust in God will produce in your life.

Pray

Ask God to help you surrender those things you try to handle yourself. Trust his direction and step out on the path in faith.