Divine Guidance

When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

Proverbs 29:18

Many people view God as the divine killjoy. They bristle at the don’ts. They resent God telling them what they can and can’t do. “Do not have false idols, do not steal, do not lie, do not commit adultery, do not murder.” Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate that leads to life, for wide is the way that leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13, paraphrased). Is God really confining us by giving us such guidelines? Is our nation better off now that we have taken the Ten Commandments off the courthouse walls and prayer out of schools?

Recently I was walking with my friend Lenya in an older part of town. A man who was obviously homeless came alongside her requesting assistance. Instead of giving him money she offered to buy him—Donny—a hamburger. It grieved our hearts to see how alcohol had reduced him to such brokenness. I said, “Donny, are you tired of living this life? Do you want to change?” Tears came quickly. “I cry every day,” he said. “Drink has caused me to lose my kids and my family.” When he was young he probably thought the wild life was the free life. Like so many, he thought could ignore God’s warnings and guidelines. He thought he could beat the odds. Now he’s in bondage. But, the glorious truth I could tell Donny that day is “It’s not too late. You may have turned your back on God, but God has not turned his back on you. It’s not too late, Donny. His power to restore is mighty.” Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Donny’s life portrays the dark side of disobedience. Sin strips us from the dignity and true freedom God created us to have. Obedience often requires some tough moments of surrender. But joy awaits us. “Whoever obeys the law is joyful.” That is why studying the Proverbs is vital to us. God gives us solid practical instruction. We are then given clear pictures that describe the end result of our choices. Oh, what a kind and wise and patient Father in heaven we have. Take his instruction deep into your heart. Indeed, it’s true: Father knows best.

One Year Bible Reading

Joel 1:1–3:21; Revelation 1:1-20; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 29:18