How can I find the path when I am in darkness?

Probing Proverbs: 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

I can recall the many times we lived through Typhoons in the Philippines. All of it is amazing, powerful, frightening and awe inspiring of the omnipotence of our God. One of the most sobering moments of a Typhoon is when in a millisecond you are listening to the wind, sitting in your home with a few lights on, then suddenly, pitch dark! At first the darkness actually feels like it is penetrating you. You could lift your hand in front of your face and still not see it. Then…if you were prepared, which after our first Typhoon we were…you strike a match and begin to light your candles and turn on your battery powered lights. When that illumination hits, you can now negotiate through your home as you weather the storm. 

This world is a dark place, and the distractions and trials it brings can blind us to God’s direction. By the way, we can be blinded by the “good” things in our life as well as the “bad” or “difficult.” I have seen many men lose their walk with God due to a promotion at work.

This Proverb is very important to me at this moment because I am experiencing most likely the greatest trial in my life right now. What it is does not matter, it is coming from every direction in my life and if it were not for the Lord I would already have been overwhelmed. This Proverb illuminates two important issues that we need to deal with if we are to see God’s direction in our life.

First, God wants us to use our understanding, He gave us our mind, but He warns us about DEPENDING on it. We see with eyes of flesh and that is what our understanding processes – it is temporal, of this world and very limited.

Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.

Instead we should depend on Him and He will open our understanding and help us see that which is eternal, heavenly and limitless!

Romans 11:33  Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

When we acknowledge our limited ability to understand Him, instead seeking His wisdom and illumination, we access the greatest light in the universe to shine into the particular darkness we are dealing with. This has been my refuge during my journey.

Second, as we depend on Him we are also to live a Rom 12:1-2 life in ALL we do, not just when in Church or small group.

Romans 12:1–2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

I realize, just by looking at my own sins and failures, this is a difficult place to always be, however, our God is extremely merciful, longsuffering and desirous to see us succeed. The key is NEVER quit climbing back on to the alter after you fail! 
There may be pain involved, there certainly will always be humbling. Yet, it is at that time that He will reveal Himself to you in the most intimate ways. Time is not the issue with God, we make it the issue! Authentic change and growth are the issue with God. I know for myself, and to my family and friends exasperation, some of that change seems so slow. The flesh is easily trained to be selfish and self centered, the other direction is much more difficult. 
It takes spiritual discipline and work. I heard it said, “Even a dead fish can float down stream!” God desires us to swim upstream, against the current of this world and our flesh. I am shocked with what I am having to learn at 60, but because I know Who He is, I am going to learn it and please Him in doing so!

This Proverb guarantees success! HOW? Living Rom 12:1-2 and depending on His Wisdom allows us to receive counsel for everything we do from the Maker of the Universe! With guidance like that we CAN”T fail!

The so what?  What trial are you going through right now? Have you sought the Lord for His wisdom, or are you relying on how you feel? His wisdom will lead us to always glorify Him, is that what you are doing? Have you taken an assessment of your walk with Him? Are their areas you have not surrendered or taken back control of? Your only 1 prayer away from fixing that, what’s holding you back?