Following God

In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3.6. Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Our reading, titled, Following God, was written by Nancy Gavianis and read by Rochelle Traube. Proverbs 3, verses 1 through 8. My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Following God, written by Nancy Gavianis. On my free day in Paris during a visit a few years ago, I had some time to roam around the famed city by myself before meeting a friend by the Eiffel Tower for dinner. All was fine until my phone's battery died. I didn't have a map, so I wasn't sure where I was going, but this city girl didn't panic. I just continued to walk along the Seine River and kept my eyes on the towering Eiffel Tower. My plan worked until I got closer to the landmark, which somehow disappeared behind the surrounding buildings.

I was astonished that such a large structure could be hidden in plain sight. I finally realized I needed help, so I asked for directions and found my friend. Life can be so unpredictable. As we face obstacles and challenges in life, we can ask God for help and direction. Asking Him helps us not get lost along our journey or be tempted to take detours or to quit. Especially when life seems hard or confusing, we can turn to God for guidance.

In Proverbs 3, 5-6, Solomon encourages his readers by telling them to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. As we seek God's wisdom through prayer and reading the Bible, He'll guide us. Let's continue to trust Him and follow His lead. Let's pray. Lord, help us to trust You with all our hearts and seek Your guidance in every step we take. Teach us to lean on Your wisdom and follow Your path, even when life feels uncertain. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. Why is it sometimes hard to follow God? How can you stay better connected to Him?