A few nights ago, God talked to me while I slept, emphasizing the need to acknowledge Him in all my ways.

     I awoke with Proverbs 3:5-6 repeating in my mind like a stuck record.

     “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

     In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ESV

     That day and beyond my attention was on my ways… what might I be doing better if I filtered them through God’s perspective?

     –Better interactions with others.

     Because the spoken word is an important part of communication, I quickly noticed my speech could become a source for friction.

     When another person’s words, or even their tone in a conversation, sounds challenging I tend to meet them at my point of perception. Soon my tone and/or words become aggressive leading to controversaries.

     *God’s direction: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

     Also, I tend to say things meant as a joke, or so I thought until my husband labeled my quips as sarcasm. When I looked the word up to get a clearer definition, I found it is “using irony to point out the deficiencies or failings of someone or something” (www.dictionary.com) 

     *God’s direction: Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18

     –Better use of time.

     Although I am sure it is possible to have too much time, I have never found time to be a surplus. Therefore, it is difficult for me to let go of my plans. If I were in the shoes of the Good Samaritan, I cannot say I would have done as much to minister to the man injured by thieves lying at the side of the road.

Most think of generosity in terms of money, but we can be tight fisted with other things such as time. And God is showing me that guarding my time may not result in getting more done. If I am generous with my time, I just may have more of it. It’s a paradox, so common with God, and therefore amazing.

The following verse refers to money, but if looked at from the point of generosity it could also apply to time!

     *God’s direction: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

     Also, I need direction on when to drop what I am doing and respond to a request or need and when to continue with the task at hand.

     *God’s direction: If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

     These examples are only the beginning of what God is doing as He reveals a behavior that does not please Him and gives Scripture for correction and direction.

We need the Holy Spirit’s conviction otherwise we remain unaware. I was not acknowledging God’s ways when it came to sarcasm because I was unaware of the damaging effect it could have on people.

Let’s be conscious of our ways and let God’s light reveal any darkness in them.

©2023 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Let’s Talk:

1-What behavior is God currently working on in your life? Has He given direction as you hold the behavior up to the light of Scripture?

2-If God has ever spoken to you while you slept, please share the message in the comment section!