City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

The Word

think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.

-Proverbs 3:6 (HCSB)

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

-NKJV

Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.

Colossians 3:2 (HCSB)

Reflection

Instead of spending time on Instagram and Twitter(X) during this fast, I’m using the time to read through Proverbs (Praying to make this a more steady practice even after this week!). While reading, I changed from the most common translation that I use (ESV), and begun using HCSB. It brings with it a different translation of the Greek and Hebrew that provides a new perspective on the Biblical text. While reading Proverbs 3:6, I stopped to meditate on it and realized it was a place that the Holy Spirit wanted me to dwell and think about more fully.

See, if you read it in the NIV or ESV, the verse reads, “in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” and “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” respectively. How does God make straight your paths? It can mean simply to correct your errors and help you walk in a more righteous path. Which, is not a wrong interpretation to take from this verse.

But what the HCSB translations provides is a different perspective of the verse. When we look upon God and His goodness, He will guide our paths. This is the key, “guide.” The NKJV translation uses “direct.” Both, I think, brings a better meaning to this verse than what the NIV or ESV does. What it shares with us is how God acts in our lives. God is not going to step into your life and tell you what to do next. Instead, He wants you to make the decision based on having first sought after Him. As Paul says in Colossians, set your mind on what is above. Seek the goodness of God, seek His ways.

Look up, not down.

Application

I have no doubt that many of you are going into this fast week wanting God to tell you what you should do this year; I’m no different. We all want God to give us the answers to our questions about what job to take, who to date/marry, how to handle a difficult situation, etc. Though, God does not operate like that. What He does is guide and direct us, that is, give us helpful pushes or nudges, a Word from a friend, or a verse in the Bible that helps us towards making the right(or best) decision.

The key to us making the right/best decision is to first seek God and His ways in all things, all the time, and in all areas of our lives. By doing this, we begin to hear the Holy Spirit speak more so than ever before. This is why the prayer and fasting week is so important as a beginning point where we can continue the practice of growing in our relationship with God throughout the year. Do not make it a one off.

Prayer

Father in heaven, I come wanting to seek You in all Your ways. Let me partake in Your goodness and holiness. Let me find rest in Your presence so that I can hear Your voice as You guide and direct my paths. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.