Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 NIV
God has an amazing plan for each one of us as we journey down the road of life, but far too often we find ourselves struggling to keep our heads above water simply because we’ve turned to the right or the left. We do everything we can to keep from drowning and we end up exhausted, but despite our best efforts , we just don’t feel like we’re getting any farther down the road God has mapped out for is. Oh, we’re working hard and expelling a lot of energy, but we’re not getting any closer to where we want to be. Why? Because at some point we switched directions; now, instead of moving forward, we’re just crossing back and forth, trying to stay afloat. Proverbs 4 gives us some great advice on how to remedy the situation.
Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live; Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 4:4b-5 NASB
The first piece of advice is this, don’t deviate from the road map! God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path! It gives us all the guidance we need to keep moving forward. We always get off course when we make decisions contrary to its advice. Think of it as a GPS that guides you through life. If you do get lost, like a GPS, it will reroute and show you how to get back on course. The problem is, once we’re lost, when we need it most, we set it aside.
Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown. Proverbs 4:5b-9 NIV
Isn’t that the goal; to be presented with a glorious crown and hear our Lord say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master?” Though it cost all you have, don’t fall short! There are many things that knock us off track, different detours for each one of us, but none that can’t be fixed with wisdom. Struggling with a broken marriage? Find a marriage counselor. Addicted? Join a support group or check into a rehab. Cheating in business to make ends meet? Cut expenses, move to a smaller house, or get a second job. Whatever it cost, whatever you need to sacrifice, fix it! Jesus put it this way, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Proverbs 4:10-12 NIV
Do you want to walk the path of life without stumbling? Listen to the Father, He will lead you.
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. Proverbs 4:13-15 NIV
The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4:18-19 NIV
If you find yourself drowning in the deep darkness, using all your energy just to stay afloat, stop! Get back up on your feet and start walking again on the path of the righteous. God has a wonderful destination planned for you, whatever it costs, make sure you get there!