God Speaking

“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)

Last week I was holding my youngest, little granddaughter who was fast asleep on my lap, and beside me on a side table I could see a pile of newspapers and as I idly glanced at them, the top one had these bold letters taking up half the page.

How do you solve a problem like………

The newspaper was folded over so I could not read the end of the sentence and of course I was not going to risk waking up the little one just to satisfy my curiosity, so I began to think of all the problems we all face and tried to imagine what sort of solutions I would find when I was finally able to read the rest of the article.

I started to go over in my mind what my answers are to solving problems and am ashamed to say that usually my response is to immediately start worrying so much so that the problem seems to double in size very quickly. (I put that down to my very imaginative mind). I then, rather foolishly, think the whole responsibility rests with me to tackle what ever is wrong and immediately start planning just how I am going to do that.  That also seems to magnify what I am facing. Scripture has a lot to say about my obviously wrong approaches to problems; 

“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5: 17)

We are studying the book of Joshua with our home group and discovered that after Joshua had some amazing victories when he followed God’s voice, but seems to stumble when he starts to rely on himself and forget the first major step we all must take

“The men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not inquire of the Lord.” (Joshua 9: 14)

I also need to go to Gods’ word when I struggle with problems, relying on my own strength. I know the first step is to consult the Lord, but another important step is pointed out in this verse;

“Plans fail for the lack of council, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15: 22)

Sometimes it takes humility to go to friends for help, but choosing those you know and love and who also love the Lord is a great way to look at what is facing us with a more balanced approach.

I was quite disappointed when I was finally able to read the rest of the article which had given me so much to think about. It was about a region in Belgium which was voting against opening trade with Canada. What a let down!  I learnt nothing, except, not to rely on the views of the world to solve problems, but to always rely on God’s advice.

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”  (Psalm 18: 30)