Continuing on the word focus is the letter ‘U’, and the word used is understand.

Have you ever purchased something that had to be put together? Did you choose to read the instructions that was in the box, or did you choose to rely on your ingenuity and put it together? If using the first method, chances are you will not have any pieces not utilized. There may some screws not used that should have been if you used the second method. I like to put together chairs, tables and the like. I may look at the picture first, then read the instructions, and lay out all the parts before making the attempt to put it together, being proud of myself when finished (and not having any pieces left over I am happy to say).

Do you tend to live life without reading any instructions? There is an instructional book we can all use, that is chock full of answers and situations, including the results of what happened when the person(s) followed what God instructed vs. what the person did instead; you guessed it. It’s the bible.

Understanding something means to have a grasp on its meaning, to grab hold of the reasonableness of it to the point of being able to interpret it and perhaps share with others. But if one never reads it (like the instructions of putting something together), how can you know what is the right thing to do? I suppose that is why Proverbs 3:5,6 was written:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6

Many of us have trouble with the ‘lean not on your own understanding’ part, as we are so accustomed to doing things our own way, even when we know going down a particular path will not work. The trust is in ourselves, putting God by the wayside, like those pieces not included in the thing you were trying to put together.

But what would happen if we switched our trust to what God says? What if after hitting our head against a brick wall we decide to read what God says and follow his path? Could things be different?

I would say yes, and I am speaking from experience. Perhaps like you, I chose not to read the instructions, trying to live life according to my unfounded wisdom. But after much frustration and seeing myself in a continual endless cycle, I have learned what it is like to develop faith in the one that can move my mountains, give me peace that I can’t explain (especially in troubled times), and have the pressure of coming up with answers taken off me and casted upon him. He encouraged me to do so:

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:7

So you can continue to refuse to read the instructions and have the pieces of your life not put together, or you can put your trust in God by reading his instructions and be whole, getting a better understanding on how to successfully live life. Be strengthenized…