“My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions” (Proverbs 2:1).
On a daily basis I speak to people who ask me to pray concerning what God wants them to do. They tell me they want God’s direction, His guidance and His answer regarding some big things and some not so big things in their lives.
Thing is? Well, the thing is, for most of what we’re asking God’s instructions, He’s already provided answers. Deep down in a Christian’s heart lies a guiding force. Within in the pages of His Word (which is where He instructs us to be) are His directions.
But what do we do with what He’s telling us? Do we treasure His leadings? Do we hold ever so dear His nudges? When He speaks to our hearts, do we honor His voice with immediate and grateful actions?
Do we treasure His words of guidance? Or do we know the value of it?
I have things around the house I treasure: my old china with the yellow roses on it, a few rings, favorite books and photos. These things merit special places. I either display or put them away to keep these treasures from being worn, bumped or used. I pull them out on special occasions. I drag them out to reminisce. I have them wrapped so gingerly that it takes effort on my part to exhume them from their vaults.
I also have things lying around, tucked into corners and hidden in cabinets that I place little value in: the old t-shirt I mow in, my kitchen broom and the dish towel I use only for sopping up spilled coffee. The mowing clothes lie in a semi-wrinkled mass in the bottom dresser drawer. The kitchen broom stands sentinel in the corner by the trashcan. The dish towel? The dish towel usually lies underneath the sink, unless it’s dripping with coffee. Then it’s placed in the hamper on the back porch.
So, what do I do with His instruction? When I feel the nudge to do something I believe He’s leading me to do—am I excited? Do I immediately act upon it with enthusiasm and zeal? Does thrill that the Savior has spoken to my heart fill my being?
Or do I shrug it off? Do I ignore His voice? Do I postpone what my heart’s telling me to do until a more convenient time? Do I treasure instruction from the Lord at all? How about you?
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Women Active for Christ in Myanmar as they face extreme challenges.
