DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
by Rhonda Williams
Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life;
don’t for a minute lose sight of them.
They’ll keep your soul alive and well,
they’ll keep you fit and attractive.
You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip.
You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry,
you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.
No need to panic over alarms or surprises,
or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner,
Because God will be right there with you;
he’ll keep you safe and sound.
Proverbs 3:21-26 (The Message)
The Proverbs always provide wisdom and perspective so God’s children can navigate their way through life, be it in times of peace, tribulation, or triumph. It is so easy to fall into the trap of looking at what we see, feel, and hear in living out our daily lives.
In times of peace we often distance ourselves from a daily time spent in study and devotion with God and utter quick “Thank You God” prayers instead, if we remember to do even that.
In times of triumph, pride can rear its ugly head so that we quickly forget it was God who blessed us with the triumph.
Times of tribulation are different. They are in a league of their own. They can destroy us, or stretch and strengthen us. They certainly reveal our inadequacies to control our future.
With the above being said, it is good to remember that our God desires to be involved with every aspect of our lives on a daily basis. If we are to guard clear thinking and not be caught off guard, then our actions, thought patterns, words, and deeds must align to God’s WORD.
If we want to be attractive to others, our conversation and conduct should reflect Christ. If we want a good night of rest, without worry, then we must focus on God, His character and His promises for those who believe in Him.
No matter the “season” we find ourselves, we are always faced with choices. We must apply clear thinking and God-given sense when faced with making the wisest choice and considering the resulting outcome.
Disappointment is inevitable, but to become discouraged is a choice.
When we find our circumstances to be out of our control, here is a principle I learned years ago: I can choose to “live above my circumstances.” I can rest my head on top of my pillow and breathe comfortably, focusing on God’s truth and not my circumstance. OR…
I can choose to “live below my circumstances.” I can place my face under the pillow, allowing it to smother me with the lies of the enemy.
You see, there truly is a doomsday for those who deny Christ as Savior. But for those who have accepted Christ as Savior there is the promise of eternal life. And for today, and every day He gives us here on earth, we have His promise that God is right here with us and He will keep us safe and sound.
“I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me; because He is my right hand and I shall not be moved.” Psalms 16:7-8
