The Discerning Heart
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:103-105
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. Proverbs 18:15
Insight
I forgot to consider when adding a puppy with black curly hair to the family was taking her out in the middle of the night. She tends to blend into the surroundings. Being a bundle of energy, Megan bolts from one side of the yard to the next. Keeping track of her whereabouts is near to impossible. Panicking over losing her is routine. I now only brave the backyard if I have my cell phone flashlight turned on. It doesn't brighten the entire yard, but it does allow me to keep her always within view.
Over the years, I've experienced stretches where there were more questions than answers and more adversity than peace. Looking back on those times, it felt like I was stumbling in the darkness. Difficult circumstances made me doubt my faith as well as second guess His direction. Discerning where God was moving during the disruption paralyzed me. He felt distant while I felt unsure.
In those moments, I desired for my circumstances to change. I yearned for direction and guidance. I prayed for God to flip a switch to illuminate my entire path and make everything crystal clear.
At first glance, it might seem noble or even super-spiritual that I uttered this prayer, but it's the exact opposite. My request reeked of pride and spoke of my innate need for security and control. A better translation of my appeal would have been: God, shine a light on my situation so I can handle it on my own.
I was praying a prayer that went against God's will for my life. His purpose for me, and you as well, is greater faith and more profound dependency. The opposite of faith isn't doubt; it's certainty.
God doesn't hand us a floodlight; He gives us a flashlight that only illuminates our next step. He does this because that's all we truly need.
Point F matters very little if we're unwilling to tackle Point A. We get so hung up on setting our gaze down the road that we lose sight of God's promptings in the here and now. He calls us to walk by faith. God encourages us to exchange our old familiar patterns for His new, unfolding ways.
Do you know how His way gets revealed? You guessed it...one step a time.
Reflection
What is your next step of faith? Why have you been reluctant to take it as of now?
Prayer
God, I will step boldly into the future You have for me. I might not know all the details, but I am sure that You are calling me to respond to what's in front of me with faith and obedience. I will trust that You will guide me to places where I can bring You glory and gain a better glimpse of Your heart. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
