The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
Though it is part of our sinful nature to rebel against God, His commands are more than rules. They are one of the primary ways He has revealed His character. The commands of God help us know who He is and what He values for the children He loves.
Reflection Questions:
According to these proverbs, what purpose do God’s commands serve in the life of a Christian?
Where do you find yourself starting to “run wild” (Proverbs 29:18)? What do you think drives in us the desire to live without instruction?
Are you willing to receive correction and reproof? If so, under what circumstances and from whom? If not, why?
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83 thoughts on "The Commands of God"
He edifies us in spirit.
They will lead you, teach you and watch over you. In my desires I want to run wild, I want to have control over my life and try to do things on my own. At times, I willing to hear correct. That’s so hard. I naturally tense to want to be right and hearing correction or failures is so hard. I need to learn to lean into Jesus and have peace with reproof knowing He is in control and wants what is best for me.
How beautiful. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Hi Zoe. Welcome! ❤️ The process can feel slow, absolutely. Yet one day you will look around and realize just how much God has led you to growth and the bearing of fruit ( the evidence of His Spirit at work in you). I am praying for you this week – that you walk in confidence of the freedom of being His child. That Jesus has taken all shame and sentence for anything you have ever or could ever do. That it is finished. You never have to “earn” again for love or belonging or grace or salvation. You are home and welcomed. No matter how many times you slip up, no matter how many wrong choices. You can never fall from His grace and redemption. My prayer will be that the enemy not be successful in making you feel like you aren’t forgiven or that you’re unworthy. You ARE fully loved, fully redeemed, no longer a slave to sin. You belong. The end. Because Jesus defeated death. Sending love to you Zoe. I will be praying for you all week. You are a sister and I rejoice to have “met” you.
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Worry and doubt and fear cause me to run wild. But he keeps me coming back.
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My anxiety gets the best of me & causes me to dwell in it. Lord bring me peace and comfort and help me turn to your word instead of dwelling in my anxieties.
Hi everyone. I feel like what causes me to “run wild” currently is sin and old habits. I recently discovered God and have been trying to change my focus and my ways towards Him, but I find myself getting distracted by life so much. I do feel that once I get more of a grasp of God’s word it’ll be easier to walk with him and follow His word. I know that the alternative path with no instruction has only led me towards destruction and that I don’t want that anymore. Sometimes I find myself acting like who I used to be and have to remember that God has given me a new heart. The process just feels slow sometimes.
Lord let me hide your word in my heart and apply it to my life daily
I think I cast off restraint or run wild in my response to stress: to overeat or cancel things.
When I read “for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you”, I don’t feel like it necessarily means days and years will be added to your life, but that the days and years you have will be lived abundantly when you follow the commands of God. That his peace will reside in you and there won’t be room for the stress of every day life to wear you down..
Running wild, living without instruction – control. It all comes down to control and not feeling that need and longing to keep God in the center of all things.
Someone told me I have wisdom. And I told them I get this wisdom from God’s word, the Bible!
My sweet mother that passed away taught me to love God and His words from the Bible.
My mother taught this is the only way to know and be close to God is by studying the Bible daily. She said, How can we make it to Heaven if we don’t know God? The best way to know God is to stay in His word, the B-I-B-L-E & talk to God by praying all of the time! By: Cindy Clark
because words of affirmation is my love language taking correction can be difficult. i take it better from people who i trust that i know have my best interest in mind.
I find myself drifting from commands when I get tired of trusting in him. My own way becomes attractive when I become impatient with Gods promises. Temptation also drives us to not listen to Gods commands and go in another direction. Previously I would have detested correction because of pride and arrogance. Now God has taught me humility, and I have become more open to correction. In God correcting me, and pruning me I have opened up to elders too correcting me.
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If I am being truly honest with myself, I do not take correction well from anyone. I lash out and get upset and feel as though it is a judgement of my character. I have recently prayed about this as I find I need more patience in my day to day interactions. I pray that God guides me to let my guard down and understand the intention behind the criticism and then helps me to correct my actions in a way that lives by his commandments.
Lord Let me not forget your commandments and even when the world around is teaches otherwise. I pray “Be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another as Christ forgave us. “
I believe the purpose of Gods commands in our life is to keep us in the middle of a world that is constantly trying to distract us and bring us down. His word says he corrects those he loves , but we as believers have to be willing to listen to his voice of correction and recognize it’s because of his love. Just as parents we want our children to listen to us because we know what’s best even when our children can’t see it, we are just like that we have to trust that God knows best he see the end from the beginning and he loves us oh how he loves us.
Reprimand and redirection are hardest to hear when you need it the most. I think about this over my son and myself, we both need correction at times. The how we correct is just as important as the why. How we react to correction is equally important and very difficult. My prayer is for wisdom in giving and receiving.
I love this
So, so good.
God gave we His children commands to follow because He loves us and has plans for each of us. A Father is responsible to love us and discipline as any Father would that love His children.
Thanks Jenna. You’re responses to those questions really resonate with me!
Lord let me live by your commands to be as you have called and set me to be lord i thank you and praise you!
1) God’s commands give us a full life, well-being, they guide us, watch over us and talk to us. They give us life. They give us something to strive for and get to know God better.
2) I find myself starting to ‘run wild’ when life gets busy and stressful. I regularly use the excuse that I don’t have time or I’m too tired to spend the time reading my bible or with God. Instead, I get home and play on the switch or do anything but as I need to relax… this plan is greatly challenging me and actually showing me how far I have strayed from God.
3) I find it difficult to receive correction and reproof from a lot of people as a lot of the time, I feel that they are as guilty as I am. I am finding a lot of correction and reproof in this plan and am actively taking it on board.
Me too!
I just need to tell you my 2nd daughter is named Forrest and I am over the moon to see your name here.
Same. It’s easier for me to turn to my phone. Really need to work on this area!
I like the idea that God’s commandments reveal his character. I hadn’t thought of them that way before! I start to “run wild” when I am lazy or lose my diligence or discipline. Playing too many games on my phone, too much time scrolling Facebook, that sort of thing. I am beginning to think I should spend more time reading books for personal instruction (parenting, growing in faith, etc.)
The circumstances under which I am most willing to receive correction and reproof in this season of my life is weirdly rock climbing. I say “weirdly” because I am fifty years old, super afraid of heights, and a new climber. God is certainly dealing with my fear. One way that I receive correction and reproof when I climb is through failure to complete a route, so I watch other climbers, successful climbers, scale the wall before me. I study what I’m doing wrong, compared to what they’re doing right. I accept instruction even from people I don’t know who are on the ground below me, and who are telling me, out of the kindness of their heart, how to correct my position. Sometimes, the problem is that I’m too close to the wall to see my hang up or correct my missteps, but someone on the ground can see it perfectly and “correct” or “reprove” me to help me complete the route. I was reminded through this illustration that I want to be as willing to receive correction and reproof when I climb the Rock Eternal (Isaiah 26) as I am when I climb a rock wall, even from people I might not be intimately related to. What a gift that God gives us His Holy Spirit to convict us when we sin. This conviction can lead us to correct and reprove ourselves by the power of the Gospel as we watch other believers work out their own salvation. The author of Hebrews writes, “We don’t want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Heb. 6:12). Receiving correction is the difference between becoming lazy and inheriting the promise through faith and patience. Reflecting on the outcome of another’s life, helps me to remember how they “climbed” (Heb. 13:7). Why are they moving forward, while I seem to be lagging behind? What steps did they take to accomplish their route? I am encouraged by this lesson to be humble because humility will pave a path for me to receive instruction by watching the lives of others and taking advice, not naively, but wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove. When I watch and observe a successful climber tackle a route, I can follow the revealed path, not with wild haste, but with patience and faith. When I finish a route, with the help of my climbing friends, I’m happy! In the same way, when I follow God’s revelation instead of running wild, listening and following His divine instruction, I’m happy” (Pr. 29:18). With God’s help, I can scale a wall (Ps. 18:29).
One thing I do is set phone reminders of Bible verses of God’s promises for me and set them at random times of the day
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Thank you!
I love that quote ‘We’ve made an idol of certainty’. Indeed nothing will ever be certain in this world. We crave certainty but often seek it in everything that will fail. Christ is our only certainty. Thanks for sharing!
I am prone to wander. I need the daily reminders to follow God’s commands. My attention span is brief and I love the image of keeping them close as a daily reminder to not run wild!
Thank you Forrest B for your encouragement in mothering with goodness and truth! Mother of an almost 3 year old boy and 3.5 month old baby girl ❤️
Amen, Carol Van Dyk! ❤️
Yes yes yes, Joanna Griffin. Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️
Divine instruction is what gives us TRUE freedom
To gain favor, expose what is in your heart and seek Him.
I remember listening to Andy Stanley interview another Atlanta pastor and his wife this summer, where the statement was made: “We’ve made an idol out of certainty”. I run wild when I try to control my day to a goal of perfection and control the chaos. God wants time with us to reflect on His character and love for us revealed in scripture. This study beautifully reminds me where my first love is and how I desire to return to time spent in scripture, prayer, listening to my Fathers voice. In the mornings where I sit still with Jesus, certainty in my life is not the goal, but certainty in Our Fathers sovereignty and His love fills me with peace beyond words.
I loved this week’s SRT podcast prayer: Father, command my soul.
Very well said Carol! “I run wild when I try to control my day to a goal of perfection and control the chaos.”
Day.4. According to these proverbs, what purpose do God’s commands serve in the life of a Christian?
`They are a lamp, a light, or how I like to see them a direction post to tell us the way to go/the way of life. To give clarity and help us on the way to God and His wisdom, love and truth.
Where do you find yourself starting to “run wild” (Proverbs 29:18)? What do you think drives in us the desire to live without instruction?
`I find myself “run wild” when everything is ok, then I wander off from the words of God. Not that it is on purpose, but I become slacking in my bible studies. and become taken up by the world and all it’s distractions, and lose or do not think as much about the rules and guidelines that God has given us. I think that “desire” is not as much of a desire as it is a voice, a whisper of the evil one to lead us away from the instructions that would lead us to God end the everlasting life with Him.
Are you willing to receive correction and reproof? If so, under what circumstances and from whom? If not, why?
`I’m very VERY stubborn. I learn by making mistakes and some (most) times getting stuck to the point of not being able to get out before I ask for help. So I find it also very hard to take corrections, especially when I feel like there is nothing wrong or that I did a good job, And I don’t know why. I wish I was one of those people who could, and I do pray to the Lord to correct me when I’m on a wrong pad or thoughts.
I don’t know if anyone reads this but it helps me to post it, it’s feels lile more of a commitment this way. And please if I’m wrong or there is some thing missing please tell me I’m ready to learn.
Recently, I heard a sermon talking about how it’s easy to “run wild” (although the pastor said a different phrasing) when things are going well in our life. If everything is easy-peasy, we are caught up in the world & distracted. When things are going well it’s important to remember to THANK God for the blessings & not to run wild.
Yes! I agree. May we carry the lessons learned in the valley close at heart when we are standing on mountain tops. May we learn to need Him in seasons of plenty the way we did in seasons of despair.
I feel myself “running wild” when I am under stress or pressure. When I am not taking care of myself. I’m realizing that I don’t have to do it my way I can do it Gods way and feel relief.
I just want to say how I appreciate every one of you. I am fairly new to studying the Bible and my answers always seem so juvenile to me. I am getting better insight after reading all of your thoughts. It is opening up a whole new dimension to what I am reading and thinking while answering the questions. Thank you so much!
I find myself “running wild” , when I have my own plans that are not God’s plans. Then He has to remind me that of this scripture: “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:6
Meditating on my heart keeping His commands… That I need to be aligning my thoughts and desires to God’s will, as well as my actions.
I’ve never thought of God’s commands as revealing his character before. I’ve always just thought of how they show the righteous way to live and give an outline for life. I love the thought that through his commands, we learn the character of God and what he values for us.
God’s teaching shows us how to live and walk circumspectly and wise. It directs us when we don’t know which way to go. God’s ways are with us in every situation.
The free will we still want to do things our way and not God’s way.
Anytime if I am wrong from not just my Pastors, family or friends. They don’t have to a Christian to give admonition because sometimes the greatest correction comes from an unsaved person who sees you for who you are. God can use anyone.
1- According to the proverbs we read today, God’s commands surely are there to preserve our lives, give us good sleep, keep us happy, have a conversation with us while we are out and about (shocking: when you are awake, it will talk with you- the Word is flesh), provide us vision for future and keep us from perishing.
2- I find there are many areas that a person can fall into if being without the Word to guide/ guard/shed light and level out the situation. Personally for me, the hidden things, like resenting others, comparing traps, or monologue conversations are the most dangerous zones, because the lies of Satan can magnify to make it “run wild” to cause my spirit to drown. Praise God for His word that we can shake off the lies and be in a community of Godly women who commit to walking with Him.
3- Taking correction and reproof is wisdom and will benefit us greatly, though it is painful or somewhat embarrassing at the time. When I read the Bible I usually feel corrected- this is honestly the best way I like to be corrected. Though I need to learn how to take corrections from people, sometimes God speak to us from unbelievers too (I am working hard on this to recognize the teachings from Him to humble myself to receive).
I had to break out the commentary for verse 29:18. It said that when we “cast off restraint” or “run wild” we are stripped of our best ornaments, God’s favor and protection, when the Word is not available, or when we don’t spend time in it. For me, I know that watching church every Sunday, and doing my daily bible study is grounding. It helps me to stay in an eternal mindset throughout the week. But the second I “abandon” my grounding activities, I am quick to try to fit into this world. For me, that’s cursing, saying funny comments that don’t align with God’s gentle spirit and kindness, and not remembering the importance of God’s commands. I think this is because on a deep level I understand that heaven is where my heart belongs, but my sinful desire is also to fit in with the world. That’s what leads us astray! Lord I pray that you will help me to walk with you daily and remember your commands. Help me to be obedient.
Completely agree!
Since reading yesterday’s devotion and listening to Christian radio, I have been having the song “Truth Be Told” by Matthew West running through my head. Some of yesterday’s and today’s questions go right along with the song. I believe the purpose of God’s commands for a Christian life are to bring happiness, a full life, well-being, and many days according to the Scriptures we read. But we also need to remember God loves and cares for us through thick and thin. Proverbs 29:18 in The Message says, “18 If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.” I can relate to what this is saying, I stumble at times because I don’t follow God and Christ. I am thankful I can get back up and receive forgiveness. As far as receiving correction or reproof, I remember my father saying the best way to learn and grow is to listen to the criticism, correction and others ways of doing things. I can handle it most of the time except when it is given in spite.
Lord, help me to show your love and compassion through all I do. Remind me, You are there no matter what is happening in my life. I praise Your Holy Name. Amen.
Thank you for sharing!! I agree wholeheartedly. I am a mom of a 14 month old girl, and I pray that I am leading her in the way do the Lord.
I’ve still been thinking about what it means to fear the Lord from the other day’s readings. I think part of fearing the Lord is recognizing that he is the Creator and we are the created. I have to be rightly oriented under his authority. Keeping his commands is a way to continually turn my heart back to him and that proper alignment. When I love what he loves and obey his Word, I’m partnering in advancing his kingdom and bringing him glory.
(1) God’s commands help us to live a more fulfilling life. It gives us guidance, protection, communion, instruction, and life.
(2) I find myself running wild first in my mind. I think the flesh in us is what drives in us the desire to live without instruction.
(3) Yes, I am willing to receive correction and reproof. Under gentle and kind circumstances from the Holy Spirit, or someone who can guide me with wisdom, insight, and integrity.
God’s commands should be cherished above all else. It should be engraved on our hearts and in the forefront of our minds at all times. His commands show us which direction to take and gives light to the path as we follow it. Where there is light darkness cannot remain.
As a mama of a little girl, I love all of your thoughts and feel the exact same way. What better thing can we give them than the Word of God and teaching them His ways? And we get to be their example in doing that.
Hello all- I’m a longtime subscriber, but never have I commented. I’m looking to connect a little more.
Proverbs 6:20-22 struck me this morning. As a busy working mama of two very little girls, I needed the reminder. Not only am I to listen to my Father’s words, but that my little girls are always listening to me and my words. That those words will be stored within them for decades to come. What better reason to fill them with the absolute best I can offer? Even in a year that feels so full of challenges, even when I am tired and feel I have nothing left, I can dig deep and find ways to share goodness and truth with them. Pour into your children always the Word, for (after God) who is better or more deserving of your greatest energies and love?
These days my screentime is running wild. It’s necessary for work, however breaks are also good. And after work I’m often binging a show or browsing YouTube or social media. I’ve used my phone into a powerless brick more than once this week. Sometimes a couple times in the same day.
I am not perfect. I don’t have it all together. BUT I don’t see myself “running wild.” I don’t want to be without my Jesus. I want HIM to guide me at all times. I need instruction. With out it I will get lost, devastated without hope and I don’t want that. I need my Jesus every day, minute, moment, and second. Am I willing to receive correction and reproof? Yes as long is from godly women who have my best interest at heart.
I think there’s a sense of control in being out of control, or “running wild”. I’ve felt that way in different areas of struggle. When the rest of your world seems beyond your control, the one thing you have is the choices you make. And often those choices can lead us to choosing comfort in something over turning to the Lord and His Word. And comfort can come in all shapes and sizes. Food. Alcohol. Sex. Drugs. Social media. That’s why God’s word is SO important. To teach us how to turn to Him no matter what, and what we can do instead of finding comfort in___. God’s commands give us an opportunity to live a GOOD life. To be protected from the enemy. To be lead into green pastures and the promises He has for us. If correction is given in love I will take it from anyone. Although initially I may get defense. Which I have to work on.
There’s a sense of control in being out of control. Well said. By running wild we feel we are in control. And yet we are being controlled by our sin nature. Such lies from the enemy. I have to fight those lies daily through the power of the Holy Spirit.
When I remember the Lord corrects those He loves, then I realize it is all for my good. Loved what you said JoAnna! Indeed, as an artist, your learning how to take criticism has made you a better artist. I love editing and in school years ago workshopping with others, always helped me reshape, cut the unnecessary, and yes prune my writing and it is still always better for it. When I get into the Word, His truth and the Holy Spirit convict me. And, when I am in the Word, it becomes easier to take criticism. Funny, the criticism it is usually the hardest to hear, is where God teaches me the most, sometimes after I have reacted defensively in my heart He shows me the truth in it, and praise God gives me ears to hear and seek what He has for me in it. Which always brings me closer to Jesus. Prune away Lord, I too desire to look like you Jesus, prune away all that is needed.
The more I dwell in God’s Word and get to know the character of Jesus, the more dynamic I understand God to be. To me, this is why it is so important to seek God’s presence daily and to know Jesus well enough to recognize his presence in our lives—because sometimes God calls us to purposes that are not popular in the moment. In those times, taking the easy way out may be “running wild.” Just like all the prophets and Jesus himself, they stood in the face of conventional wisdom or popular opinion at God’s calling, and their messages were not well received by all. We know that the two greatest commands as revealed by Jesus are to love God with all our heart and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. If we have satisfied those two commands, trust in our relationship with God is vital when He leads us into His bold purposes. Part of my faithfulness to God is to know Him well enough to hear what He would have me hear and nimble enough to respond no matter how much effort, courage or trust it requires of me.
My pastor’s sermon on Sunday was on Exodus 20-24. 4 reasons God gave us the law:
1. To help us have a deep relationship with Him.
2. To make us a counter cultural community. “A Holy nation”
3. To show us how the heart works. Ex 20:3.
4. To drive us to the blood of Jesus. Ex 24:7-11. Hebrews 10:22.
I’ve said many times after a meaningful sermon-“Wow, that really slapped me up side the head”; in other words spoke truth in an area where I needed to hear it. That is what God’s Word can do nearly every time I read or hear it. It can only do that because I’ve accepted Christ’s authority in my life. I genuinely care what God thinks, & want to be a reflection of Him to those around me. Without the Holy Spirit living inside me, the words would go right over my head, as they did before I became a Christian. Thank you Father, for the “pruning “ you continue to do in my heart & mind as I read your word & commune with you in prayer.
Oh how I’m so grateful to know that I can experience such depth in these nuggets of wisdom this reading has for me and fully accept them into my life knowing they are for me. So much is held here for the inner work. Reading and absorbing the context of the word feels intuitive in nature and the ongoing themes of trust come to the surface. It gives me great comfort and a knowing of how the teachings are always for the highest good and we receive support, suggestions for the way forward all the time. It’s just a matter of pausing long enough to accept them into your heart and staying open. So good. So good.
“…there is nothing i want more than pruning!” YES! Thank you for sharing! I just wrote down in my journal “Lord, prune me!” Your words spoke to me this morning! I love what you said about your words giving life and encouragement to others!
As an artist I have learned to love criticism. In school, we were taught to critique other people’s work AND to receive critique – it taught us that it always leads to a more beautiful piece. I find the same is true in my life, it can be hard to hear but there is nothing I want more than pruning! I want my life to see and reflect HIS beauty. I want my words to be so seasoned with salt that they give life and encouragement to everyone I speak to. The only way I can be more effective is to abide in him and allow the Holy Spirit to cut out everything that doesn’t look like him. That is what I want, to look more like him. Everyday.
I love your analogy. “It always leads to a more beautiful piece”.
I want to become a more beautiful piece-God’s masterpiece. ❤️
Paula, thanks for your thoughts. I didn’t even put it together that anxiety and my thought life are a place that I can tend to “run wild.” Not sure why I was only thinking of outward actions.
I totally resonate with your third answer. I am at a place in my life where I don’t typically receive a lot of correction. I don’t want to admit it, but I probably need to be more yielding in this area and allow other mature believers to offer correction. My perfectionism gets in the way, I suspect.
Wow Sandi. I could have written that. Thanks for sharing. That describes me.
So good Paula.
I didnt think of “running wild” with anxiety, fear, Etc. But I totally do and make a terrible God as well.
I also cant get over how much We are instructed to know his commands, memorize His words, be able to recall them at any time. We are to KNOW scripture and can only do it that by being in it. We need to memorize scripture like we did when we were kids. We are commanded to it!
Keeping God’s commands begins with knowing them. Thank you SRT for providing this great resource for helping us know and love God’s commands.
Without God’s word my actions are based on my feelings at the time or the opinion of others, both of which can be a recipe for disaster.
May I instead have a heart that desires to know, love, and follow God’s word.
I do not take correction well. I have been and am actively working to learn to accept correction. It often requires I actually bite my tongue so that I pause and hear he other’s words and intent. Today’s proverbs were valuable in reminding me that God wants peace and joy in my life and that accepting his guidance will make that possible.
I am the same way. I think it is in our human nature. I can find myself getting defensive sometimes. Something we have to work on each day!
Even at my age I can still hear some of my mother’s “suggestions” (she preferred calling them that rather than “rules.” As in “I suggest you…”). How much more I desire to hear my heavenly Father’s words of wisdom guiding me! It’s the primary reason I open my Bible everyday. Where else can I find Truth and Wisdom? Both are wrapped in His love and reveal His tender heart towards me. It’s the best part of my day.
(1) What are the purpose of God’s commands?
I perceive God’s commands as holding two purposes. The first is to guide us toward a healthy, rich and fruitful life. To help us avoid destruction and participate in divine creation. The second is to help us rightly perceive sin. As we reach for these things we ultimately fail and fail again. Something is wrong! That something is our sin. And we develop an appreciation for our need of Gods atonement and healing.
(2) Where do you “run wild”? What motivates this?
Well… I definitely don’t think I am mostly a “run wild” type of gal… at least in the traditional sense. I am more of a scoot over God, I can handle this type of gal. Ironically (or perfectly) I often recognize this when my mind and heart “run wild” with anxiety, overwhelm and shame because I am crushed by the responsibility of being God. I make a terrible God!
(3) Are you willing to receive correction? From whom?
I’d like to say yes, I want to say yes. I definitely seek wisdom from God and seek to be corrected by Him directly. As I reflect, I think when His correction comes I am readily willing to do anything that we can keep between us and struggle more when I have to admit failure to others. But typically, if it comes from God I comply. I will also accept correction from my husband pretty easily. But I struggle with most other people. Something about mistrust and pride. I also don’t find that people really offer me much correction. Well… preachers indirectly offer correction (of my reading/interpretation of scripture). I like that.
Amen!