Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
Today has me looking at images of Stephen Covey’s circle of control. God is once again reminding me that I cannot do His job, and I’m not supposed to. (Truthfully, I don’t want to do His job, but I keep fretting over things that definitely fall in His jurisdiction.) I control myself, my thoughts, words, and actions, but I have no control over anything or anyone else. I have to lift those situations and people up to God. Jesus, Help me.
Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
You would think by now I’d have that idea down pat, but I’m still worrying and fretting over situations that are completely out of my control. The result of my trying to control situations outside of my control is a boatload of anxiety along with a short temper. It is miserable. God doesn’t want that for me, either. He wants His peace to flow through me like a river. Jesus, Help me.
Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the reminder that You are in control and that when I try to control situations outside of my control, it does not go well. I know You love my loved ones even more than I am capable of loving. I know that You can be trusted to work ALL things for our good and Your glory. Help me stop trying to control things outside of my control. Help me to bring it to You and leave it Your sovereign hands. Draw me closer. Grant me Your peace like a river. Amen.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Have a blessed day.
Defining myself through the eyes of my Savior…. (devo reflection)
Proverbs 31:10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
My caustic inner critic cackled as I read this morning’s scripture. Mentally, as I read through Proverbs 31:10-31, she pointed out all the ways I fall short of the description of “The Wife of Noble Character.” She delights in my mistakes and missteps, pointing them out, derisively, at every opportunity. She’s a real peach. Jesus, Help me!
Proverbs 31:11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
I’m sure most people are able to take their inner critics with a grain of salt, tell them to “shut it” when they get mouthy, and move forward anyway. I’ve really had to concentrate on defining myself through the eyes of my precious Savior and not through the acerbic comments of my inner voice. Jesus, Help me!
Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for helping me to see that my inner critic doesn’t define me—You do. Thank You, in the words of a dear friend, for uniquely making me for this family that You have blessed me with, for equipping me with the tools I need to be a good wife to the hubs and mother to our boys. Help me to be the best wife and mother I can be to help this family whom I love so deeply find their way and their strength in You. Draw us closer. Amen.
Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
Have a blessed day.
Commit to the LORD whatever you do…. (devo reflection)
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. (NLT)
I find various translations of bible verses fascinating, perhaps because of my teaching background. I will often go to BibleHub to see the different translations as I’m deciding which most closely matches what God has placed on my heart each morning. Usually, the difference is so slight, most any translation will work. This verse, however, really struck me.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. (NIV)
I’m currently working through some online professional development in preparation for the new school year. One of the motifs I’m noticing is the idea of living and teaching boldly, which also means being prepared, at times, to fail boldly. I sincerely believe that just because the LORD has established my steps does not guarantee I will meet my own definition of success in the venture. Sometimes He needs me to fail spectacularly so that I can learn the lessons He needs me to learn.
Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for leading me to ponder the idea of success when it comes to Your will for my life. I sincerely believe that if I lay my plans at Your feet each day, asking for Your guidance, that You will direct my path. I also believe that if my path brings me closer to You and helps me to shine Your light in this world, then I will indeed achieve overwhelming eternal victory, even if I do not achieve my personal definition of success. Draw me closer, LORD. Amen.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Have a blessed day.