Proverbs 16:7 (New International Version) “When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.”
As I read this verse I find myself at odds in a very difficult situation. I read this verse again and I ask myself, “Self, What’s wrong with you?” Of course, “self” doesn’t answer because “self” doesn’t like to answer those questions.
So instead, I decide to look for more answers in Scripture. I read Psalms and the Book of James and say to myself, yeah, that’s right David and that’s right James, preach it brothers. Even in Proverbs you read about one who defends the cause of the wrongdoer and distorts justice. There is that part of me that says, “yeah, right on!” But then, Proverbs 16:7 sticks out to me like a sore thumb.
So I seek wise counsel. I talk to an accountability friend and my confidant and trusted mate, my wife. I explain my situation and they listen. They pause and they both say the same thing interpreting Proverbs 16:7. They say that it could be that the anger and bitterness that I am holding inside. That struck a chord with me, after all, the last few trials and tribulations I stressed and worried and tried to go it alone until I finally gave it to God. And do you know what? He met me there. He provided for me and He made my path straight.
As I write this, my heart yearns for truth and my mind longs for justice, but then my wife and my friend’s word sticks out – Give God the anger and the bitterness. Give God my worries and my stresses and trust and obey Him.
“Lord, help me to get over myself and the wrongdoing in my life. Lord, please lead me in the path of obedience into your fellowship. Guide me and strengthen me. Lord, please forgive my anger and bitterness and worry and stress. Father, please guide me in your truth and splendor and to find you in every direction you want me to turn.”
To God be the Glory forever and ever, Amen!
Dante