Today is the first day of school in the county in Indiana in which I live. Several of the teachers attend the church I pastor. Some of them are new to our system so there is a little nervousness involved. And even though they may have taught somewhere else, or even here, there is a struggle with confidence. Not necessarily of being able to teach but not being sure of what’s ahead. That is to be expected since we don’t have a crystal ball that will tell us what it will be like. Truth be known: that is in all of us to some extent, but maybe more so with a new teacher in a new grade and new surroundings on the first day.
It isn’t surprising then that God would lead me to start reading Proverbs again beginning August 1. Today’s reading-August 3-finds a familiar passage in chapter 3: “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.”
Good advice for every teacher. Every student. Every factory worker. Every line worker. Every computer geek. Every dad. Every mom. Every student. Every pastor. In fact as you can see…E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E.
No matter what you do…trust Him. He’s got your day in His hand. He’s got your class/job/family in His hand. He’s got Y.O.U. in His hand.
My favorite verse from Proverbs, Bill! I remember, too, the anxiety I felt on the first day of school each year, mostly from the excitement of something new beginning again. Remembering to trust in God for all things is the only way to go.
Blessings!
It is probably one of the most well-known of all verses in the Bible Martha (other than maybe John 3:16). I didn’t know you were a school teacher at one time. Then you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Life is full of unknowns and surprises. When I really think about what I am in control of, the list is quite short. I tried to make a shift in my outlook a number of years ago that trying to control what I can’t will only frustrate and anger me… So, the alternative is to give it to God. Though there are times the world throws me a curve ball and socks me right between the eyes… it hurts for a moment, but the faster I give it to God and lean on His understanding. Lean on Him to show me my path… I tend to get back up from the knockdown more quickly.
I believe you have the right idea Ryan. Give it to Him and let Him deal with it. But when we do get slammed, it tends to hurt less. 🙂
There are days I have to remind myself that everything is under God’s control. The world or the culture can sometimes be hard to deal with, and it gets to be very heavy but I know that everything still belongs to God. He will take care of everything in His own way and in His own time. In my personal life, I know that God is taking care of things because there are so many things I cannot control, and God has surprised me in so many ways, in things I thought would never work out, or revealed to me a direction I would have never gone in. I really do not understand how people face their day, if God is not who they lean on and trust above all else. This life is not an easy one.
I’m with you Gail in all you said. The biggest is I don’t know how some people can face life without God. I also agree with you about how it can be tough dealing with the culture. I just have to keep reminding myself to keep my eyes on Jesus.
A good verse for us all. Things we thought were sure and steady easily turn sideways or backwards and we’re left wondering why.
No wonder we need Him every hour. So grateful that He is solid and steady and never changes like shifting shadows.
Therein is my lifeline. Thank You, Jesus.
And my lifeline as well Linda. Solid and steady.
I know God has it ALL under control, and is leading the way in everything. I also know that because of my weakness I tend to stumble a lot! But I know that we serve Mighty God because He IS God!
So true Ed. I’m glad all is under His control and not mine (as I think it should be at times). Man, what a mess if it was!
Thank you for this reminder, Pastor Bill. We have this Scripture on a plaque in our home, and I read it often. It is so comforting to know I can let go and let HIM lead and have full control. I don’t need to worry about anything at all. What a relief!
We all need those reminders Cheryl. I know I do.