Two short-sighted, ill-considered statements: “I want what I deserve” and “I will do what I want to do no matter what.” These declarations show how we are not as good or as smart as we think we are.

King Solomon prayed, “Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart. Then they will fear you and walk in your ways as long as they live in the land you gave to our ancestors.” Our just deserts ([https://bit.ly/3I5oVOK] ) are not nearly as savory as we would prefer. We learn to walk along God’s better pathways when we make our own way one time too many. 

Gratefully, our Father’s correcting hand is as gentle as possible and as firm as necessary. Long walks with God are not marked with detours or unnecessary delays. They are instead timely, thoughtful, reflective, and thrilling. They are characterized by adventure and joy. Perspective is shaped on those paths. Possibilities are magnified step by step. Hope reserves are filled full to overflowing. 

Two well-considered statements to reorient our lives are, “I want what You want for me” and “I will do what you want when you want it done.” Obedience is unburdening our souls of unhelpful baggage in exchange for gifts God gives when we need what only he can provide.

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I will seek God’s will and ways over the course of all of my days.

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Our Father, your will, your way, this is trust, this I pray. Amen.