Topic: Learning to Lean Hard on Jesus … in Me – Daily Devotional by Proverbs 31 Ministries 9 October 2019

“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 your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)

As a young girl, I was deeply impressed by Solomon’s request for wisdom.

I read the Old Testament story of Solomon, the heir to his father King David’s throne. Following David’s death, Solomon became king and was overcome with the weight of his new responsibility. So Solomon asked God, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:10, NIV). In response, God poured out His blessing on Solomon and granted him an abundance of wisdom and knowledge unmatched by any earthly king before or after him.

If Solomon could ask God to give him wisdom, then why couldn’t I do the same? So I began praying. Continually. Consistently. And I believe God has answered my prayer as I’ve opened my heart, mind and life to the One who is the Counselor: God’s Holy Spirit.

I’ve never been more grateful for the Counselor’s guidance than I was when I learned I had breast cancer last year. The diagnosis plunged me into a deep dependency on the Lord, caught up in a whole new world of options and decisions that would shape my journey through cancer treatment.

Not just in my cancer journey but also in my faith journey, I’ve realized every major decision — especially ones involving others — needs to be confirmed by Scripture to ensure I am indeed hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. Although I can never be absolutely certain I have heard the Spirit accurately, as I take Him at His Word and act on it by faith, the decision is confirmed by circumstances that follow and by confirmation within my own spirit.

Have I ever made wrong, unwise decisions? Oh my, yes!

The unwise ones loom so large in my memory that I can easily feel swept into a downward spiral. But I have learned, and am still learning, to lean hard on the Holy Spirit — my Counselor — even in letting go of the past. I’ve realized if God said, Anne, I forgive you, and He has, then who am I to say back to Him, Thank You, God, but I can’t forgive myself? Are my standards higher than His? So I’ve simply had to bow my head and allow His grace to wash over me.

The writer of Proverbs (which many believe was King Solomon) encourages us, “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 your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). I must lean on Him in utter dependency as I intentionally, specifically and personally ask for His counsel, claiming His promise from James 1:5 that He gives wisdom without finding fault.

The best adviser, the best business manager, the best life coach is the Counselor God Himself. He is readily available. 24/7. Without charge. If we want to live our very best lives, we cannot go our own way, follow our own logic or somehow conclude we know best. If we follow the Spirit’s leading, there’s no reason to think we’ll end up with less than if we do it our way. Or that getting what we want will make us happier than what He wants. Or that we don’t need Him for every decision.

What do you need the Counselor for right now?

Are you confronting cancer, as I have, and the related choices of doctors, surgery, treatments and follow-up? Or maybe you need wisdom for other pending decisions? A relationship. Career. Education. Friendship.

Do you need direction? Discretion? Discernment? Deliverance? Talk to your Counselor. Pour out your heart. Be honest. Transparent. Lean hard on the One who is Jesus in you.

Dear Lord, I need You today. I need Your direction. Your counsel. And I need Your wisdom. I believe that You, the Counselor, are in me. Guide me today in Your will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.