“Trust in God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure everything out on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, wherever you go, He’s the one who’ll keep you on track.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)
Some of you are old enough to remember the EF Hutton commercials. For those that don’t, the scenario went something like this: Two people are talking while in a crowded public place. The first mentions what their broker advises and then asks the second what they think. The second begins “Well, my broker is EF Hutton, and EF Hutton says…” and at that moment, all activity comes to a halt as everyone waits with baited breath to hear what EF Hutton advises. Then the voice-over says the tag line “When EF Hutton talks, people listen.” The premise is that EF Hutton is so worthy of trust that you’ll stop whatever you’re doing so as not to miss out on the wisdom. Do you trust God enough to do react this way with His Wisdom?
The first part of Scripture quoted is shared quite often. I’ve seen it on websites, printed on pages of writing journals, greeting cards and even beautifully framed for gift-giving. Its important for us to remember that WE don’t have to come up with the answers… that’s already been done. We only have to remember WHO it is that knows everything about where our lives are at any given moment. I, however, feel that these verses must always go together. Its in verse 6 that we are told HOW to trust and what it looks like when we do…
First, we must LISTEN. Listening has two components: to give attention and to heed. This means we have to stop whining, complaining, obsessing and churning over details in order to put our ears into gear and also heed and obey what we hear… for God’s instruction will be perfect for that moment in time for our lives. Just take it one step at a time.
Second, we’re told to whom we are to listen. How many times, when we are seeking answers on what to do and where our life paths may be leading us, do we immediately talk with our friends, neighbors, hairstylist, playgroup members, study group, etc., seeking their advice on what we should do. Why is that? Perhaps its because its much easier hearing what they have to say than hearing what we’re afraid God might tell us. Because, if what God tells us isn’t an easy solution or in line with what we think or want to do, its a whole lot harder to disregard His instruction!
Third, we are told when to listen… in everything we do and everywhere we go. Got that? Every, as in “all”. Not in some circumstances or only after we’ve exhausted every possible solution we can come up with. I mean, really, how many times can we clearly recognize that we are at the beginning of a strife-filled path? Often, its only once we’ve traveled the road a bit do we realize the result of our decisions. Life isn’t perfect, but perhaps some hazards can be avoided if we begin by seeking the perfect answer “in everything… and everywhere”!
Finally, why we should do this is answered… “[because] He’s the one who’ll keep you on track.” Life is hard. That’s a plain and simple fact. We live in a broken place and we have to deal with struggles. He has the plan for our life, so why wouldn’t we want to go straight to the best source to find direction? Now, that doesn’t mean we will live completely carefree but He WILL keep us on track… HIS track. God wants His best for our lives because He is glorified in the lives of those who follow Him.
So… TRUST HIM. He already has the perfect answers you need.
As always, your comments are welcome and appreciated ~ L
