Everything That Glitters Isn't Gold

I headed to the showers after working out at the PF.  And as I was picking out my stall, I saw one with a little bench in it.  I thought “man that's awesome. I’m gonna get this one. I’ll definitely need that bench!”  So I chose that one.  The bench was in the changing part of the two part shower area.  However the changing area was probably a bit more compact than I had previously thought.  

I hopped in the shower and when I was done, I came to find that I didn’t even use the bench that I wanted so badly.  As a matter of fact, it actually took up too much space and I wasn’t easily able to do all the stuff I needed in the area because the bench was in the way.  Even more, when I chose the bench I decided I would want it even though there was water all over it from the previous user (one of the reasons I didn’t just put my stuff on it).  

So after all that I guess I realized I didn’t really want the bench at all.  I thought I did.  I thought it would be helpful.  I thought it would be a good addition to my shower experience.  I was wrong.  It was actually more detrimental to my shower time. I even compromised my morals (because there was water still on the bench haha) to obtain the desired object.

I think this is how we are when we ask God for things in our life.  We think “this is exactly what I need Lord!”  We may even do some unseemly things to see it happen. But then come to find out, it was quite the opposite.  They say “everything that glitters isn’t gold” and this is true.  I think it's important for us to see the things we want through the lens of God’s plan and will in our lives.  This is definitely hard.  And even more, how do we even do this?  Well let me give you a few practical steps.

The first is prayer.  Of course this is obvious.  In everything let our request be made known to God.  Pray about it.  Go to the Father. I’ve heard it said that prayer isn’t about our request to God, but how God can shape us through our petitions to him.  

Second is to read the scriptures.  If we are going to speak with God, we most definitely need to listen.  The main way we listen to him is through the words he has provided.  Yes we can meditate and hear the Lord speak to us but his primary method for informing us of his will is through his word.  So get in the sciptures.  In his word we find his will and overall desire for what we need in our life.  It also reminds us of who he is (his nature and character). This is super important if we want to see and do everything through a God framed viewpoint.

Third, seek guidance in community.  The people of God is where the Spirit of the Lord resides and he uses the church to edify and grow our stature in his nature.  Let’s build community and let it shape us in our living.

And finally, trust his character.  After we’ve come to know who he is and his general purpose for us, then trust that.  Make your moves according to what he has spoken because you know it's right.  Walk in what he speaks because you know he only desires for our good.  After you have prayed, sought wisdom through his word, and found guidance in his people, trust him in the follow through. Let whatever you do be founded in these principles.  If we do so then we will find that our desires will begin to align with what we truly need and not what we think we need.

in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God Philippians 4:6

in their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps Proverbs 16:9

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death Proverbs 14:12

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105