Friday, April 7, 2017

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Proverbs 3:5–6                 
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. (NRSV)

Reflection
When things are going according to our plans, we rest easy. Past challenges look like minor steps on a straight path to happiness, and hindsight allows us to link our past experiences (good and bad) to a pleasant ending. Therefore, it’s not surprising that during good times, we thank God for the refining events of our past and think to ourselves, “Yes, I trust God. How could I not?”

Of course, uncertainty and hardship can strike quickly, and when they do, nothing seems to make sense to us anymore. Suddenly, trusting God becomes a struggle. During trouble, we often hope that God will jump in to save the day immediately, as though God is the universe’s 911 telephone operator. However, when God doesn’t answer our calls right away, we often begin to ask, “Are you there, God? Don’t you care, God?” We usually leave our voice message for God and go about looking for other sources of understanding.

Sadly, we often let our feelings and circumstances overshadow the power of God’s word, which is revealed in to us in scripture. However, to truly live in God’s peace, we must be careful not to let external events prevent us from hearing God’s voice.

Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us of this imperative, urging us to trust that straight paths will be made, submit our ways to God, and lean not on our own understanding. Our circumstances will fluctuate between highs and lows, but we can always hear God’s voice in this scripture so long as we remember that God is our guide.

Prayer
Holy God, please help me to trust in you regardless of my circumstances. Help me to establish habits that leave me firmly rooted in you, so that I may experience the seasons of life in peace and hope. Amen.

Written by Ken Perkins, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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