People often puzzle over the right path for their life, then blame God when their lives don’t run as they wish.
People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord,” Proverbs 19:3.
We see it frequently. People are not eager to take responsibility when things do not go well. It is easier to blame someone. Children are quick to blame a sibling or a playmate for missing cookies or a broken toy, when they hold the evidence in their own hands. Politicians quickly blame the economy or the opposing party for the problems caused by their own policies. People fired from a job may blame an “ unreasonable” boss and fail to see the series of their own choices and compromises that led to this moment. It’s easy to blame God for any unwelcome outcome.
Finding the right path isn’t so complicated. God has given a lot of general guidance, which many disregard.
It began in the Garden. Adam and Eve doubted God’s goodness to them. They listened to Satan, and deliberately disobeyed God’s clear command not to eat from one particular tree.
When confronted, Adam said to God, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate,” (Genesis 3:12 ESV). Adam knew better. But he blamed the woman for his own choice to eat the fruit, and blamed God for giving her to him.
Not much has changed. God has given clear direction about how we should live. He teaches us about integrity, honesty, and compassion. A failure to heed His guidance leads to a variety of ill consequences. Funny how those who ignore God when life is running smoothly, are ready to blame Him when things go down. They fail to see His hand of blessing in their lives, but yet hold Him responsible when circumstances turn.
God gave us free will. Free will is a dangerous thing when it is not used wisely. The Old Testament reveals a continuing cycle in the history of God’s people. When they chose to honor God with their obedience, they experienced His blessing. When they forgot God and did things their own way, they experienced hard times. The book of Judges in the Bible highlights a time when the people did not have a king, and refused to listen to God. “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes,” (Judges 17:6; 21:25 ESV). It was a time of confusion and chaos.
God wants us to learn to make responsible decisions. The more we follow His principles, and seek His guidance, the clearer our choices about specific things become. He wants to put us on the right path.
The good news is that God is compassionate. He gives us the Bible to help us avoid a lot of bad experiences. Many mistakes can be avoided if we listen to Him. When we ignore His counsel, He uses the consequences of our poor choices to train us. His guidance is to help us make the best decisions and enjoy the abundant life He intends for His people (John 10:10). He can even restore years of irresponsibility when someone finally turns to Him in repentance and faith (Joel 2).
God is not the author of confusion. He is the God of order. Life works better when we seek Him and His will. His plans are good. He wants to reveal them to us. He doesn’t promise an easy, trouble-free life (John 16:33) but He does promise blessing to those who do life His way. How joyful are those who fear the Lord–all who follow his ways! (Psalm 128:1 NLT).
This is what the Lord says–your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” Isaiah 48:17 NLT
How have God’s ways proven right in your life? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
Copyright 2024 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by vangogodesign from Pixabay
Thank you for your post, Phyllis. It was good to see you at the conference. 🙂
Thank you, Joni. It was good to see you as well.