Verse of the Day 2/3

Verse of the Day 2/3

Proverbs 3:5-6

New King James Version

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Today's verses are probably familiar to most of us.  One of the things that I enjoy about reading devotionals, listening to sermons and participating in Bible studies is to hear analogies that apply verses to aspects or things that we see or take part in during our daily lives.  The other day i read a devotional that focused on the "He shall direct your paths" aspect of this verse.  In it, we are compared to arrows that are formed, shaped and fitted by God enabling us to fly straight on the intended path or trrajectory.

I am a bow hunter and i know the importance of having arrows with shafts that are straight and true, feathers (especially the cock feather which is of a differnt color).  I know what it looks and feels like to miss the mark.  I also know what it feels like when the arrow flies straight and hits the mark.

Shawn McEvoy writes, "Archery, it's the kind of sport where it's not hard to find a few life metaphors – hitting the target, nailing the bull's-eye, missing the mark... But in the arrow itself, I found a wealth of lessons. It's such a simple, effective, and elegant weapon, with its sleek shaft and colorful feathers, but it can't function without help. It needs the bow in order to reach its potential, to drive it forward, or it is worthless.

Wisdom is often called the greatest gift, and no wonder, because it brings with it so many other gifts, not least among them the sense of guidance and direction that flying forth from God's Great Bow brings. What gift of wisdom do you prize above others? Remember the example of the arrow when you wonder what it looks like to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and to acknowledge him in all your ways. A true straight arrow can do no other! It is nothing but ineffective flash apart from the bow!"

Think about the things that God uses to shape us to flight straight along the path.  We are often influenced and changed by God's Word working in our hearts and lives.  We are directed also through prayer, seeking God and responding to the Spirit's promptings. That shaping may not be easy or painless, but is necessary to fly straight.  Think of the things mentioned previously in the verses.  Are we trusting God, leaning into and on Him?  Are we acknowledging Him and His sovereignty? If we can say yes to these things, He will make our paths straight.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Proverbs 3:1-6

New King James Version

Guidance for the Young

1 My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and [a]high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.