Guys, overcast skies at the beach are deceptive. Definitely came home from this bachelorette weekend with a couple red areas.
We ate, we laughed, we sunned, we shopped, we relaxed. Caffeine was involved to get me there and back.
The mornings consisted of a couple miles and some Bible-reading for me, refreshing my body and my soul.
I truly believe that knowing Scripture in the heart is a way that God communicates with His children. As I was running, reading, listening, chatting, this weekend I kept coming back to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” I hadn’t recently read it or anything, but it was a verse that shed light on and strengthened my pensive heart. I’ve always wanted to explore what all the second part could mean: lean not on your own understanding.
Don’t always trust your feelings? Your heart can be deceitful, so go to the Bible first? Don’t believe the lie that you aren’t strong enough? Ask God for the correct perspective/eyes to see a situation?
My own understanding… it’s flawed, it’s human. It can be easily discouraged, distracted, distorted. Maybe it’s a command from God to come to Him first with confusion + fear + mistakes, to seek His words on a topic, to trust His character in a circumstance. A command to not do out of my own strength, but to invite Him in.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. I’m going to put my trust somewhere, that is inevitable. I don’t want to give God only pieces of my trusting heart, but all of it.
So this morning, I ask His Spirit to help me be aware of my leaning. To nudge my heart toward God when I’m tempted to lean on my own understanding or ability.
What do you think about that verse? Does it mean something different to you?
PS – Where has the act of putting fruit in my water been all my life? Have I been in a hole? It’s marvelous.
Well, I am glad I am not the only one who has unanswered musings about the second part of that verse!
I think that the first couple of things you said: “Don’t always trust your feelings? Your heart can be deceitful, so go to the Bible first?” speak to me the most. At least, to me, this is what it means.
Also, what beach did you go to? I grew up at the beach and I miss it so much now!
Thanks for leaving your thoughts, Kristin. Glad to be in good company. We went to Hilton Head, and it was really great. The beach is such a fun place, so many things to do, while also being perfect for relaxation. So cool you grew up at the beach!
I am so ready to head out to a beach somewhere!
I think this verse is something I need to have written out and plastered to every wall in my house. I tend to get anxious about a lot of things and so much of that is rooted in me realizing I don’t have control and in my lack of trust that God knows exactly what he’s doing.
I could spend a lifetime unpacking and applying these truths to my life. Every time I think I understand them, God shows me so much more.
I love Proverbs 3. The whole chapter has so much wisdom and hope.
Hi, Chelsea! Just letting you know I nominated you for a Liebster award. If you’d like to accept and pass along the love, here’s all the information: http://thenestednomad.com/2015/03/28/liebster-award/
It’s been fun to get to know you through your blog! I’m looking forward to much more from you!
Hi Brittany! Wow, that’s so fun! Thanks so much. You are super kind. :)