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.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8
These days, it's easy to see how many people are frustrated, angry, bitter and sad. Social Media is full of complaints, streets are full of protestors, people are tense. Why? I think this has everything to do with the "Follow your heart" mentality we've invited in to our lives. Our hearts are troubled because, instead of leaning on God's wisdom and guidance through His word and the Holy Spirit, we rely on our feelings, our way of doing things, and our understanding. Over and again, the Holy Spirit calls out to us, pulling us toward the Father's will through the scriptures. Over and again, Jesus advocates for us at the right hand of the Father, teaching us through His example in the scriptures. In the west, where Bibles are in abundance, we cry out to God for answers, and leave His word largely neglected. It is in seeking our own understanding, in defining for ourselves what is good and what is not, and in chasing our hearts desire and happiness that we have ended up this miserable. The most content people in the world don't do these things. Those who are most content are close to the Father. Even now, there's someone in a prison, who has been tortured for their faith, praying contentedly to the God who has not abandoned him or her. Even now, there are people who are being killed for their faith, exhaling their last breath in His name, and gasping in to glory at the sight of His blessed face. How can they do this? They have made Jesus their joy, peace and hope. They look past this world and toward the next, where Jesus is. They do not lean on their own understanding, but build their hope entirely on Jesus Christ. This is where we find our joy and our peace. In Christ alone. Proverbs 3:13-27 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Do not be afraid of sudden terror
or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being caught.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to do it.
