Proverbs 16 - Roll the dice baby!!! (Allen)1 We can make our own plans,
but the Lord gives the right answer.
Never has a scripture been more evident in my life than now. If someone would've told me 12 years ago that I would be married with not one but two kids I would've laughed them out of the room. I was the loner dressed in black. I was the weirdo artist/musician guy that just kept to himself (I know some of you might find that less than surprising). I told my (few) friends that I would be the last person getting married and having a bunch of kids. This just further proves my theory that God has an acute sense of humor.
It's amazing that somehow we try and convince ourselves that our plans are better than what God has in store for us. All throughout Proverbs 16 Solomon points out that our opinions and plans are nothing without God's wisdom and direction. Solomon explains that God should be treated in the highest regard since he does really know what's best for our lives. After all, common sense should tell us that God has a bit more of a grip on things since he's done little things like created the entire universe out of nothing, spoke light into existence and such.
Solomon goes on to say that it's much better to live within the means that God provides than to aspire to be something that we're not (not that I've ever tried to do that or anything...). Each of us face the choice of chasing our own selfish desires or chasing after what God has in store for us. Choose his way and his abundant life awaits you. Choose your way and you've signed your own death warrant. Not much room for interpretation there.
26 It is good for workers to have an appetite;
an empty stomach drives them on.
Too many times we fill our hearts and minds with the junk food of everyday life and leave no room for having a real hunger for chasing after the things of God (not guilty of that one either...) We need that hunger, that thirst, that drive to find out who God wants us to be. Without it, chalk yourself up to the millions of lukewarm, spiritual couch potatoes out there. The kind God puts into his microwave and turns the setting on high for about an eternity.
33 We may throw the dice,
but the Lord determines how they fall.
I love the translation of this verse. No matter how in control we think we are, God determines the end result. So many times I've thought "Allen, you've really got your stuff together today" only to see it all crumble in front of me (see sense of humor comment above). The more I see how my life is being molded by someone other than me helps me realize how little I control in the overall scheme of things.
I'm more convinced now than ever that I just don't need God direction, I truly want his direction. The best things in my life that I have, God has given me. I'm the one that usually gets involved and royally screws things up. I'm thankful for God's grace in those situations and I'm excited to see where he's taking me and my family next.
....now where did I put that pacifier...
