And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
-PROVERBS 3:5-6
Back in the day, these verses were the bedrock that kept me from emotional ruin. In my early 20's when everything I'd planned on seemed to be crumbling around me, and I JUST-COULDN'T-UNDERSTAND how it had all gone so wrong, I used to recite these verses hundreds of times a day.
20+ YEARS LATER: these verses have come to life in me again, but in a very different way. Back then, I think it was just comforting to know that "my own understanding" was never supposed to be completely adequate. BUT NOW, I realize there is so much more there than simple comfort. There's action for me, which I dig. And there's an iron clad promise. How many iron clad promises do you get from the WORLD? Few, and the ones you can count on, you probably don't want anyway.
But here, I'm told, #1: Trust in the Lord & #2 In all my ways, Acknowledge Him, and HE will make my paths straight. Mannnnn, that feels so good. Oh, to have my paths all be straight. Not to say I won't have trouble or that I might not wander, but…if I consider my plans, my daily schedule, my work, my responses...and I acknowledge God in them, then the path that results will be straight by God's standard. How do we acknowledge God?
I think it's equal parts recognizing God's sovereignty in this area of your life and inviting God to rule over it and guide you. It is probably far deeper than that, but that's how I see it. So, as I sit down to work on a new novel today, I ask, "God, I acknowledge you in this effort today. Let it please you. Let it be yours. And please make my path straight. Amen."
What path lies ahead for you that you deeply desire God to keep straight?
6 comments:
A new novel? *excited smile*
I love those verses! New novel? Oh, yeah!
Hmmm... early 20's and your whole life feels like it's crumbling down around your ears??? Sounds like my life right now. :P This was the perfect post for me for what has been going on in my life... and it's helped me realize that far to often I try to rely on myself instead of relying on God like I should, and trusting him to lead me in the right direction and hold me through the storms. Thank you. Thank you so much for posting this. :)
New novel?! :) *flails* I can't wait!
Mr. Batson,
I am currently teaching my students how to write friendly letters. They are practicing by writing letters to their favorite authors. One of my students has chosen you as their favorite author. They are also learning to address envelopes. Do you have a snail mail address that she can send the letter to? We are enclosing a self addressed stamped envelope. Thank you for your help!
-Kendra Lee, Media Specialist
kendra.lee@redeemerlions.com
Mr Batson I hafta hand it to you...you just seem to say exactly the right things at the right times....this verse, and the way you related it to your life. It is a great encouragement to me as well.
Just a random idea...I saw your music roll down there and I have a few suggestions that you might like:
the band Narnia (christian neo/symphonic metal) and Loreena Mckennet (celtic folk music...super fantasy--sounding!)
Never alone :)
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