On Deep Water in the Heart

Proverbs 20:5 MSG Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within.

Observation

Knowing what is right in any circumstance is the first hurdle.  How many times do we immediately run off to execute our fix, our solution, for a challenge?  “I know what you need to do!”  However, our fix, our solution, may be temporary, ineffective or harmful because it is based solely on our own limited perspective, knowledge and understanding.  Finding what is right for myself or others takes time and effort to filter through all the options the mind and heart present.  So many of the options will be colored and influenced by my personal experience/perspective or how much my pride, position, power and influence will be impacted – what it might cost me personally.  If I make the decision regarding what is right to do without drawing on the ethics, values and standards of God’s Word, aren’t I just like those in the book of Judges who did what seemed right in their own eyes?  That didn’t work out so well.

What is truly right in any situation is only confirmed by having a well within that is filled with the water of the Word.  This water is made sweet and full of God’s truth by spending time in the Word and prayer, listening for God’s wisdom and instruction, hearing the counsel of Godly people, and just plain waiting on the Holy Spirit to confirm and bring peace to our souls and spirits regarding what God would have us do.  The second hurdle is to choose to do it!

Impact on Me

I know these are right for me:

It is always right to sacrifice my pride, position, and power on the altar to do what is necessary to fulfill God’s will and purpose – no matter the cost to me.

It is always right to be honest, living truthfully, before God and others, not appearing to be something I am not.

It is always right to be submitted to the authority God has placed over me – not insisting on my own way, but trusting God to give wisdom and direction to those He has placed in authority over me.

It is always right to speak the truth in love and choose to have faith to allow God to be responsible for the results.

It is always right to forgive personal offense while doing what is necessary to protect the innocent or those who are under my care – even if that causes conflict or makes me offensive.

It is always right to seek godly counsel before setting my plans in motion – even if that counsel does not change my course.  Hearing what I don’t want to hear or being pointed in a direction I don’t want to go or considering another perspective allows me to weigh it all so I will know that I have truly and clearly heard from God before I launch out.

It is always right to wisely use the gifts, talents, abilities, resources and counsel God has supplied me to help me be a valuable member of the team/church community He has formed to execute His plan and do His work.

Prayer

Holy One, Lord God, Wisdom Itself, Helper, Teacher, Lover of my soul, I submit myself to You without reservation.  Confirm in me what you would have me do and be in this season of my life.  I do not want to act out of any personal motive; I only want to act according to Your will, purpose, wisdom, Word.  Help me to allow You by Your Word and prayer to deepen the pool within me so I may draw from its depths the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, grace, strength and peace I need.  Speak to my heart so clearly that I will have no question in me regarding what to say and do as we go forward.  I am willing to be a sacrifice if that is what it takes.  I love You, Lord, with all my heart. In Jesus’ name, make it so.