“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.” Proverbs 3:5-8 (NLT)
The skier failed to negotiate a curve in the trail and crashed into a tree. He was carried from the slopes with bruises, lacerations, and some broken bones. A few days later, he walked out of the hospital on crutches, which he continued to use for several weeks. It took great effort for him to walk up hills or climb stairs. He discovered early on that the crutch-walk, not only exhausted him, but was strenuous and painful.
This unfortunate man’s experience gives us an excellent example of relying upon one’s own understanding. Life’s multifaceted wandering is like the ski trail. Just when we think we have everything under control, a curve appears, which is too sharp for us to negotiate successfully alone. Too many times we end up with bruised, broken and scarred lives as a result. Our understanding is the crutch. Trying to make sense of our circumstances through human ingenuity can drain us both physically and spiritually. It seems that we face a steeper hill or staircase every way we turn. Since we can’t figure things out, we begin to panic and fear increases our frenzy for understanding. The situation is ripe for pills and psychiatry.
Let us stop and calmly assess our path. Such a path is free from peace. It produces only exhaustion and depression. If we let it, it will drive us nuts. Lets refuse to allow it to control us. Instead, lets decide to trust in the Lord, despite the circumstances, despite our comprehension, and despite the curves of life. Trust in the Lord! It works.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. I praise you for your knowledge of all things. You know what my day and life will be like before I get up in the morning. And you’ll be looking after me even after I lay down to sleep at night. Thank you for your care and consideration of me. Forgive me for my feeble attempts to direct my own affairs without your wisdom. O, Lord, increase my faith so that I my heart will totally trust in your control. I pray this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his guidance and live confidently in his care,