November 26, 2007
Duh?
By Wendy Pope
“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.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Devotion:
OK, I confess, I don't like the title of today's devotion but in all honesty it was the best word to use. Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines “duh” as a word as used to express actual or feigned ignorance or stupidity. Wikipedia defines “duh” as an American English slang exclamation that is used to express disdain for someone missing the obviousness of something. Someone missing the obviousness of something: I was that someone and the something was a Road Closed sign. Let me recreate the scene for you.
It was another hot day in July. We left the swimming pool. We were wet, smelling of sun screen and sweat, and riddled with hunger. To add insult to our misery we were stuck in traffic. I knew there was short cut if only I could get up to the light. YES, a break in traffic. As I make my way to the turn lane I noticed a huge orange road construction sign. The words clearly marked: ROAD CLOSED: NO THRU TRAFFIC. I paused monetarily but for some reason thought, "I can get through." Can you guess what happened next? The road was closed. I did not get through. I had to turn around.
Duh!
As I began going back the way I came it was if I heard the Lord say, "Duh?" Notice I said "it was as if." I am sure the God of the Universe would use a bigger and more profound statement than “duh” when one of His children deliberately doesn't follow directions, then again maybe not. I answered back with a "Yea, I heard you loud and clear."
God's directives in our lives are not always clear. His paths for us are not always easy and at times very difficult to determine. But there are times when He gives us clear instructions but we choose to follow our own understanding, like me and the road closed sign. I knew what the sign said and I knew what the sign meant. However, my own understanding of the situation said that I could be the exception to the sign. I could have my way.
Today's key scripture tells us the key to avoiding “duh moments” is to trust the Lord with all our heart. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But it isn't. We want action. We want now. We want progress so we start to lean on our understanding to make things happen. By doing this we get to the end of road only to find that it is closed.
How do we trust the Lord with all our heart? Pray to Him. Ask Him to help you learn to trust Him. Ask Him everyday until you feel your faith grow. You will know your faith is growing when you look at a "road closed" sign and obediently turn in the other direction.
Dear Lord, forgive me for trying to go on roads that you have closed for my benefit. I want to trust You with all of my heart. Will you help me to do that? In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
What Happens When Women Say Yes To God by Lysa TerKeurst
Moving from Fear to Freedom by Grace Fox
Visit Wendy Pope’s blog
Application Steps:
Start today asking God to help you trust Him. On a calendar mark the today's date as the beginning of your trust-walk. Check each day off after you have prayed. Record all evidences of your growing faith. Print the power verses and read them aloud when you feel doubt and fear creeping in.
Reflections:
What is holding me back from trusting God with all my heart?
Do I really believe God will make my paths straight? Why or why not?
Power Verses:
Psalm 5:8, "O LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes; Make Your way straight before me."(NIV)
Psalm 23:2, "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters."(NIV)
Psalm 25:5, "Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day."(NIV)
Psalm 31:3, "For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me."(NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G,
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Monday, 26 November 2007.
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