Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 7, 2014
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Proverbs 4:6
Guardrails are for our protection. In driving they protect us from fatal accidents. In decision making they protect us from foolish choices. In relationships they protect us from destructive behavior. In finances they protect us from living beyond our means. In organizations they protect us from mission drift. Guardrails are God’s protection from missing His very best. Wisdom erects them in a safe zone, way before a dangerous drop off. A life with guardrails enjoys God’s peace.
A guardrail in life is not meant to squelch our creativity, instead it provides boundaries that enhance our freedoms. For example, a parent gives a teenager moral, emotional and physical guidelines so they are protected from future regrets. Emotionally energized individuals make time to replenish their souls after a season of intense service and support. The physically fit place limitations on food and drink so their intake is somewhat equal to the calories burned off by their body. A guardrail protects us from ourselves. Good intentions without limits can be unhealthy.
“Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you” (Proverbs 2:11).
What area of your life is exposed, without a buffer? A loving church family can support you when life happens and circumstances become uncertain. An intimate and caring accountability group can keep you honest in your assessment of reality. Perhaps you engage a financial planner to help you prepare for the future. A mentor couple can affirm what you are doing well in marriage and advise where to make a course correction. When we bump up against a guardrail it is not pain free, but hopefully it protects us from more severe outcomes.
Most of all ask the Lord to place His hedge of protection around your life. His angels are an army for good that reveals a demon’s deceptions. What is unseen can be even more disastrous than what we see, but the Holy Spirit is our guide and protector against unseemly powers and principalities. Prayer provides God’s peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. His truth is like a mighty fortress against the fiery darts of the devil. God’s wisdom protects us!
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them” (Psalm 34:7).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me wisdom and courage to erect Your guardrails around my life.
Related Readings: Job 1:9-10; 1 Samuel 25:15-16; Isaiah 31:5; Acts 12:11; 1 Timothy 6:5
Post/Tweet today: A guardrail protects us from ourselves. Good intentions without limitations can be unhealthy. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: My Pastor Andy’s talk on Guardrails- http://bit.ly/WCGuME
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