When I opened my front door this morning, the sun was blazing across the pasture and the breeze was gentle but cool. It looked to be an incredibly beautiful Easter day. So when Amber and I were driving to church this morning and a few sprinkles of rain began dancing on the windshield, I was a little surprised. In less than a few minutes, the sky gathered a few dark clouds together and threatened to spill. Of course, I’ve lived here for almost 23 years and you’d think I would be used to South Carolina weather. We don’t need meteorologists. Keeping an upward glance is best. Being prepared.
While thinking on those things, I was surprised at how close it parallels my heart right now. I’ve been a Christian for over 18 years now and you would think that through the ups and downs I would have learned two of the basics of the faith. Keeping an upward glance is best. Always be prepared. In the past few weeks, I’ve been absolutely appalled at a few things that have slipped into my soul. There were no dramatic moments. Just little creeping in. It’s very true that we never know what each day will hold and I’ve been sadly surprised lately. My days have been full of things that show a slip in character. There’s been a pattern in my stumbling.
And so I’ve come face to face with myself. It’s entirely despairing to see yourself as God sees you. He knows it all. He sees it all. He knows the intents. While reading in Proverbs this afternoon, I found a verse that I’ve memorized many times but this is the first time that it has awoken a chord within my soul.
Preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. (Proverbs 3:21-26)
My days will still be full of trouble unless I take this to heart. Seek wisdom. Stay sensitive to the Spirit. The most obvious way to keep from stumbling is that sweet, habitual fellowship with the Lord. How easy it is to stay busy and to fill my hours with unnecessary things. But I’m so weary of losing my footing. I crave steady feet.