To fear, [a.k.a. respect,] the Lord, is to hate evil. I hate: pride, arrogance, evil behavior, & perverse speech. Proverbs 8:13 NIV Bible
Sometimes, I think I'll do this, or I'll do that, to show my love for the Lord God. I make elaborate plans in my mind, going through every little detail, to ensure the best outcome. But those thoughts are often arrogant, thinking that I know best what the Lord wants from me!
It seems, in my very human opinion, that the very best things, are often those that I haven't planned, but are those things the Lord has on my heart. That doesn't necessarily mean that they are something that we naturally want to do. Sometimes, it's those things that are difficult, that may be most meaningful. I don't mean that they are difficult, beyond our ability to accomplish, but difficult in that, sometimes they might involve the most personal risk.
Sometimes it's taking the risk to stick your neck out for someone else, when to do so might draw disfavor with others. Sometimes, it's taking a back seat, in favor of the needs of others, when it's so much easier to put ourselves and our needs first. I wish that I did this more often, but I find that I often cling to what is comfortable and feels safe. Why is it easier for me to do the arrogant things that I plan in my heart, than to wait for the humble requests the Lord God has on my heart? Fortunately for all of us, the Lord God doesn't give up on any of us, and continues to tug on our heart strings, to be an example to others of how He works in our lives!
