New Direction
All of us could use a new set of directions for our lives right about now. The ones you might be following are old, worn out or unreliable. The rules that govern your life are directing your steps; some of those rules are leftover from childhood and some are etched in stone that continue to take you down pathways that lead to heartache, unhealthy behavior or disappointments. There are times when set backs get us back on track to live the life we’ve always dreamed of living. We also have moments when the road seems smooth and straight, and in for those times we are grateful.
We still seem to be in a season where much of our lives are in chaos; a detour filled with anxiety, fear, anger, distrust, suspicion, discouragement, lack of joy and all around confusion. I’m sure you have your own feelings to attache to your journey.
It may be time to evaluate the direction you are traveling through this life or it may be time to self-reflect on what it is you hope to gain from this time of uncertainty and challenge. It’s always a good time to pull your head out of the sand; denial never helps anyone regain purpose or a renewed sense of purpose in life.
This new year, 2021, can give us the opportunity to reform what’s been lost and what needs fixing. A chance to bring clarity to our destination and the directions needed to get there. God always provides correction as needed if we are willing to accept His help. God gives us the faith and the gifts we need to leverage the crisis to change the culture… the culture of your heart, soul and mind and the culture in your personal life.
A new direction for your life comes from the book of Proverbs… “Those who follow God’s wise design for living avoid the perils that others fall into and enjoy life on earth as God meant it to be lived.” (CSB Study Bible notes)
A wise design for your life… Proverbs 3:5-12
1. DIRECTION… Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (vv. 5,6)
Invite God’s presence (the Holy Spirit) into every activity and decision.
Let go of your own wisdom and fully rely on God. Recognize, acknowledge and confess Him as Lord and Savior and He will reveal to you a better way to live, and go with you on that journey!
2. HEALTH… Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. (vv. 7,8)
Our overall health (mental, spiritual and emotional which effects our physical health) depends on our willingness to turn (repent) from sinfulness, respect the Lord and humble ourselves before Him.
3. WEALTH… Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. (vv. 9, 10)
Simple step, difficult to live out… Give to Jesus your best (“everything you produce”) and first and He will take care of you!
4. CORRECTION… My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. (vv. 11, 12)
Does this truth need any more explanation?
Love often gets expressed in the word NO or in an act of discipline! Discipline and or punishment leads to correction in the name of love!
Sticky Statement…
Trust Jesus wholeheartedly and give yourself to Him. Allow Him to reform your life and He will transform your life for a better way to live!