I love reading the book of Proverbs in the Bible.
It’s so rich with wisdom for living a good life.
It’s amazing how just a few sentences can open our eyes and set us on the right road.
When I was in college and interviewing for my first ‘real’ job, I memorized Proverbs 3:5-6 from the New American Standard Bible.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
I remember walking in to the big interview continuously repeating the words in my mind.
It gave me peace, despite the trembling knees, and a certain confidence.
Confidence that came from a place that was bigger than me.
That verse is as helpful today as it was then. And still runs through my mind.
Today I’m in a very different place in life.
I’m learning how to live this upside down life that God calls us to live.
Attempting to “not lean on my own understanding.”
It’s hard.
As I was contemplating the verse, I decided to share it with you.
Usually when I want to share verses with you I go to Bible Gateway so that I can copy and paste verses correctly. Without misspellings and forgotten words. [ahem]
One of the things I like about Bible Gateway is that I can choose parallel versions of the Bible passage and look at them at the same time.
Do you realize how blessed we are? Not only can we read the Bible in “our” language, but we can also read it as a translation or paraphrase that is easy for us to read and makes sense to us.
As I was checking out some of the different versions, I clicked on the Living Bible. When I was in high school I had a Living New Testament which I read and studied. It was certainly easier to understand than whatever version they used at church.
The verses were grouped together a little differently in the Living version. And in this case, verses 4 & 5 were a complete thought.
If you want favor with both God and man,
and a reputation for good judgment and common sense,
then trust the Lord completely; Don’t ever trust yourself.
Proverbs 3:4-5
What hit me was the last phrase…
..don’t ever trust yourself. [!!!!!!!]
Have you ever noticed when things are not going the way you want, it’s really tempting to tell God to move over, and take control?
Maybe even push him aside and grab the ‘wheel’ yourself?
Okay, maybe that’s just me.
This girl’s got control issues. Just sayin’.
Right now God’s got me living totally upside down.
As I look at my situation, my circumstances are not what I would choose. Ever.
God will guide me and show me how to navigate through it….but I have to trust him.
I must let him stay in charge of my life and totally in control.
Even if it means flying upside down.
Especially if it means flying upside down.
What’s going on in your life today?
Do you have trust issues too?
Whatever the stuff is that you’re dealing with…
Remember…trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself.
Pick up the Bible or go to Bible Gateway to read God’s word.
Meditate and memorize verses.
The ones we’ve been contemplating today have been helpful to me.
What helps you when your world gets turned upside down?
Joy Day!
Yay! for Joy Day! It’s the perfect time to think about how trustworthy God is.
A time to look back over the past week and see God’s hand in our lives…loving and guiding us…in spite of ourselves.
It’s a time to count our blessings and give thanks in all things.
Won’t you join me in counting just seven?
Your joy meter will rise. Guaranteed!
I’ll start…
Thank you God for…
- the most beautiful mornings…all creation proclaims your glory!
- your amazing love.
- praying friends.
- for letting our car battery use every bit of juice it had and providing a new one.
- your word and all your promises that are Yes! in Christ Jesus.
- your grace extended through the hands of good friends.
- great light for a photo shoot.
Now it’s your turn!
List your ‘seven’ in the share your extraordinary thoughts section below.
You’ll be glad you did….I dare you!
Want even more joy? Take the Joy Dare here.
Thank you for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.
If you enjoyed this post….please pass it on to your friends.
Click any of the sharing buttons at the bottom.
Joyfully!
Diane
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1.Mission teams arriving home safe.2.Traveling mercies for all the family.3.No E.R.visits.4.Desire to change even tho I haven’t taken the steps to do it.5.Great bible study group.6.Abundance of provision.7.Amazing Grace!
I love this verse! And I, too, cut my teeth on a Living Bible back in the day 😉 1. A new car 2. A pleasant, quiet, no drama birthday celebration 3. Face time with our gran luvs 4. Another birthday Lunch with my 86 yr old mom and HER new car 5. Hubby’s thoughtfulness 6. Women’s Bible study and the friends we find there 7. That both our grown children love Jesus.
, I am grateful:
1. That the Lord sent a co-worker, in deperate need, to me to minister to!
2. A Christian environment to work in!
3. Continued peace in my situation!
4. My “HOME”…..my refuge and my Haven, my safe place!
5, your abundant Blessings and provision in my life!
6. That my Son knows the Lord.
7. That the Lord meets me where I am at any given time…
I am grateful…
1) FOR THE BEAUTIFUL DAY
2) THAT I FINALLY FOUND MY CHURCH HOME
3) FOR BEING ABLE TO HAVE RETIRED
4) SPENDING TIME WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN YESTERDAY
5) THAT I GOT TO SEE A BABY POSOM TODAY UNDER MY DECK
6) DECORATING MY HOME WITH FALL DECOR TODAY
7) RELAXING AND ENJOYING MY EVENING
My seven:
1. My first cup of hot coffee on a damp and chilly morning.
2. Supply – He has richly supplied all of our needs and beyond.
3. Circumstances of “chance” that I know are so wonderfully orchestrated by God.
4. A testimony – A story of brokenness myself so that I can share with another who can borrow my hope.
5. A trip to look forward to this week to a new place I’ve never been.
6. Ageing. In spite of the fact that I’m getting older, which I don’t particularly like, it is a blessing in that I now get to minister to the younger women of the church and they listen!
7. The fact that God speaks to me when I take the time to really lean in and listen for His voice.
This verse has special meaning to me as well. Thank you for sharing, as it is important to remember in times of trouble but also in good times.
Diane, I get myself in trouble every time I take control. I absolutely don’t trust myself! Thanks for these wonderful reminders! Your leaves are stunning, and you have an eye for the perfect photo shot.
Thank you, Lord, for:
1 – Caring and praying family and friends.
2 – Beautiful sunrises and sunsets during Fall.
3 – Musical blessings at church on Sunday.
4 – Rain finally!
5 – Good yields of crops.
6 – Fun guests.
7 – Cooler weather.
*sigh* I don’t know anyone who is more of a control freak that I. Queen of Control. The good news is I DO know I’m gripping the wheel and white knuckling it as I’m doing it. I can’t tell you the number of times the ONLY word of wisdom that’s handed me is “surrender!!”. *sigh* I can know it and still not DO it.
Lol…pray for me!!
In the mean time here are my gratefuls:
…equally gorgeous sunrises and sunsets…with fog, no less.
….the leaf fight…thank you for the huge pile of leaves.
….pumpkins, gourds, spiders and all things. Halloween!!
….quiet times for meditation and prayer.
….explosions of changing colours and terrains….wow…
….nights with squiggle room for catching up.
….extra space for souls in need.
Trusting in the Lord at all times can sometimes be a challenge. Us girls like to think we know best. lol! It’s something I work at every day. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
I rely on that verse a lot – great post! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy