Day 5 | 21-Day Growth Challenge | "Listening for Light"
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 4:18 (NLT), The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over…23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life…25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
INSIGHT:
We must listen to know and learn. People sometimes behave as if they can figure out everything by themselves. God designed us to be trained by words and examples. We all need mentors and teachers.
Progress and prosperity God's way does not come all at once. As Proverbs 4:18 states, the "way of the righteous" begins with new light, like dawn, that shines brighter and brighter. If we watch the sun, it does not seem to move. If we go away for a while and look back, the sun will be higher in the sky.
When we listen to and follow Christ, we are making progress. There's no question about it. That progress may feel painful, especially when God is helping us forge new and better paths, or leading us to break behaviors/habits that are not useful.
People who do not listen to God are like people trying to cross a totally dark room that is full of furniture. There's pain, stumbling, falling and fear; all the while not knowing what lies ahead. No light.
Verse 23 says to "guard your heart." If we allow unforgiveness, bitterness, jealousy, regrets, hatred or any other destructive element to linger in the heart, we lose sight of the light of God. We lose are way on the "course of life."
The cost of being constantly distracted from God's will is a price too high to pay. Verses 25-27 offer crystal clear guidance: 1) Focus forward, 2) Mark out or chart your path through prayer and planning, 3) Stay on good paths, 4) Don't let people or circumstances pull you aside, 5) Never follow evil.
PRAYER:
"Lord, help me to recognized progress in my life, especially when times are difficult. Show me how to guard my heart against those things that make it hard for me to listen and see Your light. I will listen and see your path clearly. In Jesus' Name Amen!"
ACTIVATION:
(Use comment section below to share your insights. Record sensitive items in your personal journal. You can login or simply use your first name.)
- Respond to the following statement in your heart and mind: The mentors and teachers I listen to are_______________________________________
- Which instruction from Proverbs 4:25-27 stands out to you and why?
- What can you do specifically to guard your heart?
- What actions will you take today related to this lesson?
COMMENT SECTION:
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