#godswisdom

[margecouture]

“I will say of The Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2

[upperroomstl]

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:6)

[jesusheals]

What does James 4:7 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑]

In the previous verses, James spelled out how his Christians readers had been living lives of worldly self-reliance, as many of us do at times. They had committed themselves to getting what they wanted at all costs, even to the point of fighting with other believers. They believed God, but they refused to trust Him to provide good for them and to accept that He was still providing good when He withheld what they wanted most.

God sees this as adultery, cheating on Him with the world. He takes it personally. He opposes us in our pride when we live that way, but He doesn't reject us. In the previous verse, James wrote that God gives more grace. He gives grace to the humble.

How should we respond when we realize we've been on the world's path again? This verse reveals the beginning of James's answer: submit to God again. Give up getting what you want, and willingly receive all the good He gives. We must surrender our battles to achieve our own desires, and turn to serve others instead.

Finally, we must resist the devil. In chapter 3, James revealed that this worldly wisdom we've been following is, in part, from the devil, God's enemy. Satan has been instrumental in engineering this system of self-service from the very beginning of human history. James's promise is clear: If we quit the path of the world and resist the devil, he will run away from us.

We must resist, though. Resistance requires us to actively pull away. It demands we continually counter his lies by telling ourselves the truth about our God's goodness, love, and power. The devil won't remain in the presence of our submission to the truth of God's Word.

[walkswithmyfather]

“God’s “No” is not a rejection. It’s a redirection.”

“All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and goodness and truth and faithfulness To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.” Psalm 25:10 (AMP)

“Your word is a lamp for my steps; it lights the path before me.” Psalm 119:105 (VOICE)

“You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.” Psalm 16:11 (WEB)

“He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3 (WEB) 

“Lord, direct me throughout my journey so I can experience Your plans for my life. Reveal the life-paths that are pleasing to You.” Psalm 25:4 (TPT)

“Now teach me all about your ways and tell me what to do. Make it clear for me to understand, for I am surrounded by waiting enemies.” Psalm 27:11 (TPT)

“O Eternal, show me Your way, shine Your light brightly on this path, and make it level for me, for my enemies are lurking in the recesses and ravines along the way.” Psalm 27:11 (VOICE)

It’s a difficult world out there. Navigating through a world run by the Devil and full of sin takes courage and wisdom; there’s no way we can do it by ourselves. But God is always watching and ready to “show His great power in helping” us (2 Chr 16:9 TLB). When you pray and God says “NO”, it is because "YES” would take you down the wrong path, onto a dangerous way where you will be vulnerable. God is there to help you avoid pitfalls and the enemy lying in wait. Listen to God’s wisdom and let His Word light the path before you! If you let God redirect you onto the right way when He needs to, you will triumphantly finish your journey and find great joy with Him. PRAYER: Lord, “Lead me in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in them. Teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandment. Make me walk along the right paths, for I know how delightful they really are. Guide me into the paths that please you, for I take delight in all that you say.” Guide me to YOU! In Jesus’ name, Amen  (From Psalm 119:33-35 MEV, MSG, TLB, TPT)

[northwoodsfan]

[wayfordailylife]

[margecouture]

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

[margecouture]

“Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.” Psalms 34:14