Proverbs 16:20- Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful.
I remember as a child, jumping on the bed was prohibited. Our parents had many reasons why this was not allowed including damaging the furniture and the risk of injury. However, when we could get away with it, we still chose to disobey. I recently saw a child jumping on her bed and I asked, are you allowed to do that? She said no and stopped. I said thank you and asked, are you ready to listen now? She hung her head and said yes.
Sometimes, doing what we feel like doing feels good at the time even when we know it is wrong. We even convince ourselves that what we are doing is okay and sometimes go as far as saying I heard a message from the Lord. I heard this statement recently, “God communicates in many forms but most often through your mind.” I wondered, if our minds are filled, how can we hear from God? He communicates through our thoughts so we should pay attention to our thoughts.
Today’s verse is a reminder that those who listen to instructions will prosper, and those who trust the Lord will be joyful. If we are not sure what we are hearing, keep in mind that God will never send you a message that contradicts his truth or his principles. (His reference manual is available to all, including a little child.) We live in a world filled with noise so our listening to God’s guidance must be intentional. I wonder if this is why my Mom prays at 3:00 -5:00 am most times... When most of the world is still asleep and she can have the quiet to listen to God’s instructions for her day.
Dear God,
Thank you for the reminder that those who listen to your instructions will prosper. That submitting, obeying and surrendering to your will, your instructions, brings joy. I pray that all your children continue to draw closer to you to listen to your instructions so they can prosper and have joy. I ask this in your son Jesus’ name. Amen!