Straight Path

I was well on my way to wallowing in self pity a few mornings ago.

I was in the shower before work.  It was early; I was tired; there was a lot to be done that day and the next. Some things had seemed to hit all at once over the past week, and I was feeling weary, discouraged, and anxious about the future.  Sure, I told myself, it's not that bad, but this is a lot for me to handle right now.  I can feel sorry for myself, can't I?

But in the middle of my "woe is me" mindset, God flashed me a reality check.  No, really, the lamp in my bathroom started flickering for a moment, just enough to pull me away from my gloomy thoughts.

Enough to pause and be reminded that God. is. in. charge.

It was then that I realized- this is what the message I heard on Tuesday, on Proverbs 3:5-6, was all about.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Emphasis on the first word being trust.  With ALL of my heart.  Having total faith that God has a plan and a purpose for my life, even when it may not be as clear in the midst of trials.

Not leaning on my own understanding in the middle of whatever I am facing.  Looking to Him and saying, God, I'm not sure what you are doing with these situations right now, but I know how much you love me, and I trust in you fully.  Not relying on my own interpretations, thoughts, feelings, or that of those around me.

Acknowledging Him in all my ways. ALL of them.  Too often I can find myself in the mindset of "It's okay, God, I've got this one on my own," as if I can handle it by myself or only need Him in certain aspects of my life.

We're called to trust Him with all things- our relationships, our jobs, our finances, our temptations. EVERYTHING.  And when we do this, and place our full trust in Him, asking him to guide us in our decisions, seeking His wisdom, praising Him for His goodness, and praying for continued blessings in our lives and to others, He will make our paths straight.  

What a week this had been to remind me to NOT lean on my own understanding! By the end of my shower, I realized that God could not be clearer with what he's asking me to do.

Maybe you're experiencing trials in this season of your life.  Maybe you're feeling discouraged, weary, or anxious about the future.  Let's trust in God's plan for us, remember how much He loves us, and look to Him in all that we do, and He will lead us on the straight path, the right path, that He has for us.