I wish I could show you what’s on my list today. In fact, I could show you but you wouldn’t believe it – because neither do I. God has been silent in my life for a while and I’d keep asking him if I was doing the right thing, on the right path, seeking the right things, and putting into practice the right character and virtues. When I ask him to point things out to me along the way God is willing to point out ways I could have done better. He’s right on time convicting me of poor choices and bringing me an opportunity to go a different direction. It seems God has decided to break his silence because suddenly there is opportunity ahead.
I’m constantly reviewing verses of scripture that promise guidance Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Of course for that to work, I need to have a teachable spirit, right? Fortunately at birth God gave me a craving for knowledge and enthusiasm for learning new things. I’m often in over my head because of those built in characteristics. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with so many choices, too many options, and intersecting priorities. Have you ever been on the edge like that with so many possibilities you do nothing? Ah, then you know the state I’m in right now. In these times, I run – not walk to my Bible for assurance. Like this verse in 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Even if each of those opportunities show promise and the roots will produce good fruit, conflicting priorities can be challenging; so challenging, in fact, that I reach the point of inertia and do nothing. James 1:5 has something to say about that. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” That’s what I’m doing today – before I start this day of, I’m praying for wisdom.
I’m working on new projects today that were given to me from God, as a father gives good gifts to his own children. I needed to talk with him this morning and tell him how thankful I am for these new opportunities, how inadequate I sometimes feel, and how much I need his assurance. Look where my eyes fell after pouring out my heart to the Lord of my life this morning. You might want to read the entire chapter like I did, but here are the first few verses in Proverbs 2. “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”
What have you got on your plate today? I am in awe of God’s promises to be right there beside me giving me the right steps, helping me learn, keeping me from stumbling. Psalm 37:23-24 “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” He will be there for your too. Scripture is for everyone – everyone. Ready? Let’s get out there!
Because of Grace we Press On