When I was a kid, anytime I said or did something my father didn’t approve of, he’d shake his head and say, “the older you get, the dumber you get!” That was my dad’s way of telling me that he raised me to think more wisely, and that I should know better.
As an adult, I’m the first to admit that sometimes I still make dumb decisions; like not waiting on the Lord and seeking his help and guidance in prayer whenever I have a need.
In the midst of a trial, I’m the type of person who feels as if they have to do something. As long as I’m doing something…anything, it helps me feel as if I have control over the situation and my circumstances. Eventually, when my actions prove fruitless, or I reach a point of frustration and begin to doubt if I continue down the road I started on, it’s then that I accept the real error of my ways.
I admit my thoughts were focused on the situation at hand instead of on the Lord. It was my pride and selfish motives that kept me busy trying to get the Lord to do what I wanted, instead of submitting to His will in the situation. It’s hard to admit that I still act this way sometimes. That I still find it hard to ask for help, and I find it even harder to wait.
It’s times like this when I visualize my dad shaking his head at me. I’m so grateful that my earthly father and my heavenly father have nothing in common. Amen!
When I humble myself and ask the Lord to forgive me, I receive His forgiveness right away and I experience His peace. He forgives me for doubting His faithfulness, and when I ask for wisdom, He gives it. Through each trial, I grow more mature and complete, not lacking in anything (James 1:1-10). As my wisdom increases, the joy and trust I have in Jesus does too.
My devotional today reminded me that when we pray God-centered prayers according to His will, we can be certain that He will give us what we have requested (1 John 5:12-15).
Thank you Jesus!
~Trish