Thursday, December 1, 2016

Why choose this?

This morning, I noticed a notification on my phone.  A friend of one of my children had posted a video of himself.  In the video, he used really hard words for a mom's heart to hear.  I adore this young man, and I have prayed for him so many times.  Yet, his language shows evidence that we tend to lean toward doing what we should not.  Why is it that we allow ourselves to ensnared by the whisper of evil, even from very young ages?

In scripture we see that Satan has been planting seeds of doubt in our mind from the earliest written record of mankind.

“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”  Genesis 3:5

Why, when parents set out to raise children to do what is right, do we rebel against our teaching and become bent towards evil?

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.  Proverbs 16:9

We are promised peace and prosperity, in return for choosing righteousness.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.  Proverbs 3:1-2

Yet, usually without even realizing it, we are making our own plans and leaving Him out.  I know that when I have done things I should not have done, it didn't start out that way.  In the beginning, I was seeking to do something that seemed good to me, but I was probably looking away from God, rather than toward Him.

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.  Proverbs 14:12

I want to choose what is right, and want to focus on Him, because, it is evident throughout scripture that we have lost our focus on Him, and we choose to do what is evil.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:8

I love Proverbs, because this book reminds me that I am not to be trusted to rely on what I think, and will fare much better if I look to His ways.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

I have tried many times, and failed, when choosing my own way.  So I want to choose His way, for His plans are good.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..."  Jeremiah 29:11

I am praying today, to seek His ways, and not my own.

By Grace alone, Ashley