True Understanding
Today, when I went to the store to do some shopping, I saw a woman squatted down and looking at some bakery items on the bottom shelf. I was really taken aback by the fancy sling she had for her arm. Usually one sees a basic white fabric sling, but this one looked like it was made of leather and the strap was hooked into the sling, not by sewing, but by brass clasps. I was wondering how rich someone would have to be to have a sling that stylish or how long one would need to wear the sling to justify such a purchase. I was conjuring up in my mind what sort of person this might be, and then she stood up and turned. From a different angle, I realized that it wasn’t a sling, but a purse. The first angle I looked at, lined up the purse (between the body and elbow/arm) with the bend of the elbow so that it appeared to support the arm, but in reality did nothing. I had to laugh to myself and be thankful that no one knew what I was thinking. Sometimes what we see or assume we see can lead us in the wrong direction. I was reminded of Proverbs chapter 3 that stated, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Our wisdom and thinking can be very deceiving, but we are invited (urged) to trust the One who knows all things and can direct us in the way the is good and right. King Solomon goes on to make it even more clear in the next few verses, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Not only are we to trust Him fully, but we are told that it will be good for our health as well. Stress and uncertainty can put a strain on any individual, but when we trust God, we have nothing to fear. Proverbs 5 goes on to what that trust might look like, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” When I am trusting myself, I hold on to what I have tightly, but when I trust God, I realize that everything I have already belongs to God and so faith and trust allow me to be generous. We do it, not for the blessings, but for joy of servicing. Father, fill me with such an amazing faith and trust that I am not stingy with the gifts You have given, but praise You in all things. Amen.