“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-8
Our weekly Christian devotional
In my life there are certain ironies that I’m sure even God finds amusing. As any of my family members can attest, I’ve never been one to revel in the technical arts. I like to think of myself as a free spirit, a creative thinker. Truthfully, I’m the kind of gal who, up until ten years ago, was just fine without having an email address. And, if my husband didn’t insist on buying an iPhone that matched his, I would still be sporting a cell that my friends would consider ‘vintage’.
Today, by a miracle of God, I’m shocked to admit that I write and post weekly content for my website,shalombewithyo.wpengine.com.
Not only did God inspire it, but He also provided a talented web master to help me with this unlikely endeavor.
And, never in a million years did I ever think that a simpleton like me would be uttering words such as these: The speed of my computer can either make my day or break my day. One cannot work as writer in this century and not be affected by this reality.
A few weeks ago, I was just about ready to go all ‘UFC’ on my Mac. The poor thing was almost tossed off my balcony! I couldn’t tell if the problem was the computer itself or a wireless router issue, but the bottom line was—- it was taking me about a half a day to find or download anything!
After hours of frustration, shouting at the screen and intermittent head banging, my husband and I finally figured out the problem: Almost weekly, my computer would pop up an invitation telling me to update my software. Of course, this interruption usually occurred when I was caught up in my writing—very bad timing for this free-spirited artist!
So, in typical ‘Julia’ fashion, I clicked the warning off the screen, telling myself that I would simply do it later. Well… that ‘later’ never ended up happening. Hence, the mysterious issue behind my slow and unresponsive web searches was unveiled. My computer was in dire need of basic updating…
When I read Proverbs 3: 5-8, I can’t help but think of my on-going computer problems. If I would just remember to stay sensitive to the technical needs of my Mac, my computer would be able to do its job to its maximum capabilities.
Many Christians forget the importance of staying sensitive to the updates and promptings of the Holy Spirit. When we ignore His gentle leading, we usually find ourselves frustrated –even when we are trying to serve Him!
It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday details of this life. In this world of concrete issues and speedy deadlines, staying in the spirit is more than difficult—without God’s help, it’s truly impossible. Let’s pray for God to enable us keep tapped into our greatest power source—God Himself.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to do good things and I want to serve you. In this, I have noticed that I easily slip back into my pride and start relying on the power of my own flesh.
Actually, there really is no power in working this way! I know it, yet I still keep going back to this old habit.
Lord, many times the power of prayer is often pushed aside for few extra minutes of sleep or even to watch my favorite television show. Why do I keep pushing aside my intimate time with you for these trivial things? Help me to see how this temptation begins and how I can nip it in the bud.
This is not what I want to do; yet I keep doing it over and over again! I repent, Lord.
Please help me to receive your forgiveness. I am forgiven and I will not walk in condemnation anymore.
Today is a new day. I can start new habits and do new things, if I rely on you to help me every step of the way.
I’m going to need you to walk me through living in the Spirit, Lord. For, I am surrounded by a world that keeps tempting me back into my old flesh.
Help me to see and work with the new creature you have created in me. In Jesus’ name and with His resurrection power, bless me to do your will, Amen.”
Thank you for reading our weekly Christian devotional on verses: Proverbs 3:5-8
Please check back and see what we have for you next week!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan