Leaning on God
“Trust
in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not
unto thin own understanding. In all
thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” - Proverbs
3:5-6
Many of people know this proverbs verse by heart, or have
heard some version of it before. Fittingly, I have held onto these words at
various stages in my life and walk with God. Coincidently, seeing that I used the same proverbs reference as my High
School Senior yearbook quote, it makes sense that it is one of the first verses
to come to the forefront of my mind even today.
Going through the different situations that we often face in our lives, it is sometimes difficult to stay focused on God and not fall into the temptation of “lean(ing) unto our own understanding”.
Personally, I have struggled in the past whenever it came to
truly forsaking “my understanding”, my own desires and wishes. Instead, I would
find myself in situations and certain circumstances that could have easily been
avoided had I followed God’s straight and paved road, instead of my own faulty
and makeshift path.
I was not acknowledging God as the keeper of my soul and
allowing him to work, lead or direct my life. As a result, many doors were
closed due to my disobedience. There were periods when I was frustrated with my
profession and I found myself unable to pray to God for deliverance or
guidance. Frustration would soon morph into moments of depression, and anger. I
became an unapproachable, bitter individual who was difficult to speak to and
rejected the help that was often an arms reach away.
Doing things my own way only hindered me from growing as an
individual and in turn caused me to be ostracized from the people who loved and
cared about me. And yet, although it was not deserved, I always had people who
stood in the gap on my behalf, who interceded and prayed for me continually and
without ceasing.
It took me years to learn that in order to advance or
overcome any obstacle, that it was imperative that I learn humility. In order
for me to grow, I needed to seek after and accept guidance. Once I changed my
mind’s orientation and attitude, and adopted a more humble persona, I literally
positioned myself to be blessed. My job and living situation changed for the
better. I became a more positive and optimistic person, and it even showed in
my outward countenance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXn6-hKhXOc
Fred Hammond-Your Steps are Ordered
“The
steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him
with his hand.” -
Proverbs 37:23-24
Regardless of my disobedience, God still continued to keep
me. It amazes me to think of how undeserving we all are of grace and second
chances, and yet they are freely given by our heavenly father. Independent of
my attitude or unwillingness to trust in God totally, he still had my
back. I found myself realizing that a
total change was necessary and I submitted myself to God’s will and way. I
desired for my faith to be rekindled and my life to be purposeful.
“[b]ut whoever
drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them
will become in them a spring of water welling
up to eternal life.” - John 4:14
When I think of
God’s grace and unwavering love, I can’t help but smile. Thinking back to where
I’ve been and where I am now, it is evident that God’s path for my life is
golden. To him I owe him my all.
GUEST BLOGGER MATTHEW JOHNSON
Thank you Matt!! This is awesome!! Definitely something I can take from this.
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