Proverbs 16:2 – “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” NIV
Proverbs 16:2 – ” All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.” ESV
My Soul Weeps
Oh, how this verse hurts down deep inside my soul. I am that person who wants to believe my actions and motives are right in the moment, but am I really able to examine my heart and find the real truth in the motives of my actions? Yes, the sinful part of me feels capable of knowing what my actions mean, but what does my heart reveal to my Heavenly Father. A Father who reveals the real truths behind my ways causes me to cry as Isaiah did in chapter 6. “Woe to me…” I am not worthy of his love and grace, yet he continues to call me his own. Thankfully, I am a child of God no matter the mistakes I make and the destruction I leave in my wake. He will graciously forgive me if I ask and know that my ways are wrong. Do others see this in me?
Although, I feel my actions and words are good, I have to realize that I am a sinner and that those actions and words may not feel so good to those around me who receive my words and actions. Sometimes, I need to weigh my heart by the Lord and not lean on or into others to carry my burdens which they are not meant to carry. Do I need to be right and justify my behavior which may lead to shaming others which is toxic? Do I reach for self-justification for my actions? If God is my defender then I do not need to justify myself. Again, sinful nature at work just like Saul in 1 Samuel 13: 8-12. Saul made decisions he was not suppose to make and then justified those decision by blaming Samuel. How many times have I made a decision that leads God to say, “What have you done?” 1 Samuel 13:11.
I don’t want to reach for Self-Justification because it is:
- Weakness that mask itself as a strength
- impatience
- Shuts down any discussion
- Arrogant
- Lazy
These are things that I do not want to see in myself or others to see in me, and I know that sometimes my sinful pride shows off with self-justification. I pray Lord for your wisdom and strength!
Soar like an Eagle
Lord, I want to soar on your wings. I want to walk the path you designed for me. I want so much more from my life. I read this verse and feel that I have missed something that God wants from me. I want to stop and listen for his voice, so that I may soar on his wings! “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV). Lord, I place my hope and strength in you. Show me how to soar on wings like an eagle, how to run and not grow weary, and how to walk and not grow faint. Show me how to walk in the path designed for me.
Final Thoughts
Prayer: Lord, I need you to show me a clear path and give me wisdom in my actions especially around others. Thank you for this verse, the impact is weighty and immense. What am I missing? Amen.
Romans 7:15 – “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
Allie's Way 