I was going through a little bit of turbulence in my career. And
I was going through a little bit of turbulence in my career. And so, it's funny how turbulence itself will make you hold onto something for security. And so the only thing I knew is trust in the Lord and lean not unto your own heart, in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.
Hear, O seekers of strength, the voice of Emmitt Smith, a warrior of the gridiron, who spoke these words out of his trials: “I was going through a little bit of turbulence in my career. And so, it’s funny how turbulence itself will make you hold onto something for security. And so the only thing I knew is trust in the Lord and lean not unto your own heart, in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.” In this confession lies not only the struggle of an athlete, but the eternal struggle of the human soul when it is shaken by storms.
For what is turbulence but the shaking of the ground beneath us, the sudden loss of balance when life turns uncertain? It comes to all: to kings and beggars, to warriors and poets, to every heart that has walked the earth. When all else trembles, the soul seeks something firm to grasp, some security that cannot be moved. Emmitt Smith, in his season of uncertainty, found that strength not in his own wisdom, not in fleeting victories, but in the eternal promise of God’s word: “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.”
This teaching has ancient roots. It echoes from the Proverbs of Solomon, who counseled kings and nations that human pride falters, but divine guidance stands. It resounds in the lives of countless men and women who, when the world grew dark, clung to the unseen hand of heaven. To trust in the Lord is not to abandon effort, but to surrender fear. It is to walk forward even when the road is unclear, believing that the path will be revealed step by step.
Consider the life of Harriet Tubman, who, in the turbulence of slavery and danger, led her people to freedom. She carried no maps, no wealth, no weapons of war—only her unshakable trust in the Lord. When danger pressed close, she prayed, and when fear threatened to crush her, she leaned not on her own heart, but on the promise that God would guide her steps. And indeed, though she faced hunters and wilderness, she led hundreds from bondage to liberty. Her story, like Smith’s words, reminds us that divine direction shines brightest when human certainty fails.
Emmitt Smith himself, though a man of fame and triumph, tasted the uncertainty of faltering career and shaken confidence. Yet it was in this shaking that his spirit learned endurance. The field of football may test the body, but the field of life tests the soul. And in this greater contest, he discovered that only a foundation rooted in faith could carry him forward when applause faded and doubts pressed near.
So too must we learn, children of tomorrow. Do not wait for turbulence to awaken you to what matters. When storms come—and they will—do not clutch at shadows for security. Instead, anchor yourself in what is eternal. Acknowledge the Lord in your ways, whether in work or rest, in joy or sorrow, and trust that though you cannot see the whole road, He sees it entire. And from that trust will come not only peace, but direction.
Practical is this wisdom: begin each day with gratitude and prayer, aligning your heart to something greater than yourself. When confusion comes, pause before rushing, and ask where wisdom, not fear, leads. In hardship, hold fast to faith, remembering that many who walked before you endured their storms and emerged stronger because they leaned on a higher strength.
Thus, let the words of Emmitt Smith stand as both testimony and guide: turbulence will shake you, but if you trust in the Lord, you shall not fall. For He will steady your steps, He will direct thy path, and from the storm will rise a stronger, steadier soul—fit not only for victory on the field, but for triumph in the journey of life itself.
UNUyen Ngoc
The idea of finding security in something beyond ourselves during times of turbulence is profound. It’s like faith becomes a guiding force when everything else feels uncertain. But I wonder, do people often turn to faith only when they’re in crisis, or is it something that can be cultivated during times of peace as well? How do we strengthen our trust in something higher, and how does it change our perspective on challenges?
VAvu anh
Smith’s message about trusting in the Lord during difficult times is comforting, but I wonder if it’s always easy to put faith into practice. When things seem bleak, it can be hard to not lean on our own understanding. How do we build a habit of trust when everything around us seems unstable? Is it something that becomes easier with experience, or do we continually need to remind ourselves to lean on faith?
HMLe Hien My
I find it inspiring that Emmitt Smith turned to faith during a turbulent period in his career. It makes me think about how we often try to rely on ourselves to fix everything, especially during tough times. But can we truly navigate life’s challenges alone, or do we need to embrace a higher sense of guidance? How do we cultivate the trust needed to acknowledge that we may not have all the answers?
TVNguyen Thi Tuong Vy
This quote really highlights the role of faith during times of uncertainty. Smith mentions trusting in the Lord and leaning not on his own heart, which makes me wonder—can this level of trust be maintained in today’s world of instant gratification and self-reliance? Is there a balance between trusting in a higher power and taking personal responsibility for our actions, or should one always take precedence?
TDThao Doan
Emmitt Smith’s reflection on how turbulence can lead us to seek security really resonates with me. It’s interesting how adversity often pushes us to lean on something greater than ourselves, whether it’s faith, family, or something else. But how do we know when we’re truly trusting in something higher, or when we’re just seeking comfort? Does faith require a leap of belief, or can it grow gradually over time?