Where do we go for comfort? What avenues do we take when we are faced with challenges? Are we allowing earthly fears to overwhelm us, causing us to waiver? Do we put our trust in monetary or material possessions that fade away? Where do we look for guidance? Who do we seek for council? Does our discernment come through our own understanding?

In God’s word we find answers to each of these questions. We are reminded that God’s word was given to us as doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness (2Tim 3:16). Through God’s word we are reminded to keep His commandments, to put them in our minds and write the words on our hearts (Jer 31:33, Prov 3:3). We can see in the Old Testament how those who kept His word prospered and had good success, and also how those who ignored it diminished. Proverbs 3:2 encourages us that if we keep God’s commandments, we should have length of days and long life. We will have peace added to our lives and mercy can be found there. We are instructed to approach the throne boldly, that we may obtain His mercy and find grace to help in times of need (Heb 4:16).  

“Do not be wise in our own opinion’s” (vs. 7), reminds us that we need to recognize that God’s ways are above our ways and His thoughts are above our thoughts (Is 55: 8-9). Jesus taught us that the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Mt 26:41) and that the mind is continually evil (Gen 6:5, Jer 17:9), Who can know it? God alone can direct our paths, He will guide our steps (Prov 16:9), and through His word we can find direction. God never intended that man should walk alone or be independent of all that He has for us. Rather His desire for us is that we would be fully dependent on Him and daily look to Him for the strength to sustain us. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding, in all ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths (vs 5-6). Despite the occasional correction we receive from Him, we can know that it is all done for our benefit so that we might be purified. May we understand His guidance and see the benefit of allowing the Spirit to direct our hearts and minds though the word. For in this word is found wisdom above our understanding that can only be achieved through the implanted word in our hearts. When wisdom is found, it is better and more profitable than gold and silver and you will desire it above all. Pleasant are her ways and great are its days, she is a tree of Life to those who take hold of her and happy are all who retain her (vs13-18).  

Hopefully this causes our minds to think upon Jesus; how He is our salvation, how we can find direction, truth and life in Him, how our lives should be found in Him who is the word, and lest we abide in Him can do nothing (Jn 15:5). His commandments are really just precious promises reassuring us that all He has spoken and all that He has done will never fail (Josh 21:45), and knowing that we are secure if we stand on these precious promises written within His word. Understanding that our trust in Jesus, gives us grace that helps us overcome any obstacle or giant that might stand in our path. Realizing all things are ordained by Him and that it is by the strength of His hand that we are even able to stand. May we put our trust and assurance in the very God of our salvation who can provide all things according to His will. May we meditate therein and reverence His holy name that our lives would be stayed on Jesus that we might be a reflection of His love. 

God’s blessings on your day!