Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
Hi Friends! This week’s verse, Proverbs 3:5-7, is such an encouragement in times when life just does not seem to make any sense! That basically sums up the year 2020! Whether personally or externally, life certainly dishes out a lot of curve balls. I’m thankful we have an Almighty God, the Prince of Peace, who we can trust with every single aspect of our lives. Nothing takes God by surprise, and we can rest in that, especially knowing that His love for us is personal.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There is a lot of darkness and injustice in the world. So much is working against us as we live out each day and serve our Lord. But there is not one single thing that can separate us from the love of God. With all the decisions that must be made each day, we have a God who, in our seeking, provides clarity; who makes our paths straight.
This world has a way of throwing uncertainties at us on a daily basis. How do we lean not on our own understanding, discerning a wise path for each decision? I’m reminded of a devotional from “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers on April 29th:
The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty…To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness; it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God…If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy. – Oswald Chambers
This paints a blunt picture of the byproducts of worldly wisdom in contrast to the certainty we have in Christ amidst the uncertainties “under the sun”. When we aren’t trusting and leaning into the Lord, we can easily get caught up in the power and strength that comes from our experiences, knowledge, and achievements. We have pride in our accomplishments that curb our humility found in Christ’s unmerited salvation. This self centered hope and certainty is wisdom in our own eyes.
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
There are a lot of smart people trying to solve complex problems. Without Christ as the cornerstone, this is vanity and a chasing after the wind that produces self seeking desires and corrupt decisions. As we turn from the evils of this world, we turn our eyes upon our Lord and sovereign King.
James 3:17-18
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
May you be blessed this week as you trust in the Lord. May He give you peace and clarity through life’s uncertainties. My dear friends, is there anything troubling you? Is there a decision, circumstance, or crisis that is weighing heavy on your heart? I leave you today with some wise words that my dad once said to me, “now give it to the Lord and don’t take it back.”
Proverbs 21:30
No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.
In Christ’s Strength Alone,
Leyna
I love this Leyner!!! Good job and inspiring me to stay on a positive track 🙂 Love and miss you