Understanding

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In my morning devotion, Rick Warren used Proverbs 4:18 to share his thoughts about God’s plans for our lives. I was not as familiar with this verse as Proverbs 3:5-6. All of us are familiar with the verse that tells us to trust in God and lean not on our own understanding. I have memorized that verse, I believe it, but sometimes I find it hard to really live it! We have all had things in our lives that did not go as we planned, as we prayed, or as we wanted God to lead us or our loved ones. We have disappointments, heartaches, griefs, and troubles that do not make sense to us and that really rob us of our joy. I am ashamed to say that there have been times in my life that I wasn’t sure that I wanted God to direct my path! I was afraid that the path that He might lead me to follow would involve sacrifice, ridicule, and discomfort. But when I get really down and discouraged and out of sorts, I pray for peace and acceptance. I have learned to wait on understanding, because there are some things in this life that we will never understand. I get over my pity party and ask God to forgive me for foolish thoughts and the burdens always get lighter!

Pastor Warren explained that as we go down the path that God sets before us, more understanding will come, but understanding is not a requirement for us to start down the path. One day we will stand in the full light of eternity and view the big picture. We will see God’s purpose behind the path He specifically chose for us. Be patient (I really have trouble with this one), God knows what He is doing, and He knows what is best for us. One day all of the problems, heartaches, difficulties and delays — those things that make us ask “why”– will be clear in the light of God’s love. What a wonderful promise!

Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”