People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.
Proverbs 19:3 (NLT)
Father, my heart is pricked this morning by this proverb. Though I have read it many times, and have highlighted in my Bible, it has not impacted me the way it does this morning. Maybe it is because I am navigating through a tough space. Or maybe it is just because I just glossed over it like I have done so many other passages, and not truly meditated on what it is saying. Please forgive me.
Father, how many times have I found myself in a jam and cried out to You asking why did You allow this to happen to me? Even over the course of this week, as I have navigated through the many things that came my way I have asked on several occasions, “Lord, why?” Though I know that I own the consequences, there is something inside me that wants and almost believes that You “owe me” a get out of jail free card.
Yet, You have made it clear, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked. What a man sows he shall reap.” (Galatians 6:7) I have known this. The world lives by it. Yet, for some odd reason I just automatically assume that grace means I don’t have to be impacted negatively by what comes from my behavior. This verse reminds to think again.
Forgive me for the childish temper tantrums that I go on when things don’t go the way I expect. Forgive me for blaming You when I have to endure hardships resulting out of my foolishness. My imperfection and sin are mine, as are the consequences. Instead of being mad at You I should always be grateful that it is not as bad as it could be!
I pray today for a heart that is more sensitive and more obedient to Your Spirit. Prick my conscience when my flesh rises up and tries to have my worldly cake and eat it too. Show me how my thoughts and actions can indeed ruin my life and the lives of those around me. And give me a double portion of Your Spirit so that I can rise above my personal foolishness and be more Christlike.
Thank You for Your amazing grace and mercy that not only staves off the full impact and consequences of my decisions, but also seals me as Your child, transforming my perspective on those consequences. Am am reminded that they are but discipline, You teaching me Your child, what obedience looks like (Hebrews 12:7). In the end, I want to make You smile. Continue Your work in me, Father, that I might be more like Jesus to Your glory. Amen.