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“Give me understanding that I may keep Your law and observe it with my whole heart.”  Psalm 119:34

I really thought my directions were spot on.  I even took the time to draw a diagram just in case the one working on this project was confused.  Clarity was of the essence.  And yes, I thought I had nailed it until the completed project landed in my office.  Totally wrong.  One glance back at my instructions and then another glance at the diagram left me shaking my head where did I go wrong?

Haven’t we all been there friends?  Communication is a two way street.  We can convey precisely what needs to be done but if the recipient doesn’t get it then we probably won’t land where we intended.  It’s kind of like those tricky word math problems or the puzzling riddle which leaves us totally confused and bewildered.  Comprehension – the capacity to fully understand – is often the missing link.

In our distracted and bored culture, grasping well is often ignored.  To gain insight and clarity, we have to be free from distractions and willing to listen intently.  Take that a step further and we just can’t read on the go or flip through the screen.  An endless list of misinterpreted instructions fills my mind.  How many times have I misread or didn’t fully comprehend because I failed to fully focus.

Wonder if God ever echos, “I really thought my directions were spot on.”  Can’t imagine the frustration He must feel when we totally ignore His instructions.  Unwilling to force us to mechanically adhere to His guidance, God blessed each of us with a free will – the right to choose.  And boy do we ever exercise that right.  Problem is when we ignore His wisdom, we land on shaky ground usually unaware or unwilling to admit we got it all wrong.

Absolutely love the patience of our God who invites us to draw near and promises to give us wisdom (James 1:5) without criticism or a loud, “I told you so.”  Unlike me, God isn’t caught off guard by our tendency to not follow His instructions.  He knows our flesh and spirit war against each other as we wrestle to find our way.  Precisely why  God providentially gives each believer the gift of the Holy Spirit living and breathing within us.  He leads us to truth, teaches us all things and brings depth and understanding which we couldn’t achieve on our own (John 14:26).

Sweet friend the choice is still up to us.  Will we linger and go deep leaning into the guidance and direction of God’s word?  Will we apply His wisdom and allow it to conform us to reflect His beauty?  We all want clarity, discernment, and understanding.  Best choice we could ever make is to exchange our distracted minds for a heart wholly devoted to Him.

“Father, You have given us everything we need to succeed in life and to bring honor to Your name. Help us to seek, ask, listen and apply the truths of Your word.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life