What to do when we don't know what to do...

The ambassadors arrive...worn-out clothes, stale food. "We came from far away. Please sign a peace treaty with us." The Israelites look at the evidence and sign on the dotted line.

So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult with the Lord. Joshua 9:14

It turns out these sneaky visitors weren't from far away at all. They lived nearby on land the Israelites were supposed to conquer. Woops.

I paused after reading this, wondering how many times that verse could be written about me.

So Holley tried to figure things out on her own. But Holley did not consult with the Lord.

Been there, done that.

Then I started wondering what all of that really means. In our days of consulting firms and consultants it sounds a little odd.

God the Consultant.

It also seemed like the process must be very hard and time-consuming. So I felt guilty AND discouraged (a little confession).

Just then another story popped into my heart. The enemies of Israel were pressing in and so Jehoshaphat (that one isn't winning baby name of the year) prays to God. At the end He says...

We don't know what to do, but we are looking to your for help. 2 Chron. 20:12

My soul breathed a sigh of relief.

Consulting with God isn't complicated.

It doesn't even require being super-spiritual.

It's simply embracing we don't know the answer and trusting we know the One who does.

And the really good news? He promises to answer.

Lord, we don't know what to do, but we are looking to you for help today...

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Comments

[Becky]

Dear Holley,

I've felt lost so many times in the last year and a half. Countless times, I've used these words when explaining my latest problem to people: "...and, as usual, I didn't know what to do, so I didn't do anything." Why, Holley, would I not think to go to the Consultant instead of allowing myself to feel defeated time and time again? Maybe I'll remember this next time.

Thank you so much!

Blessings!

[LM]

We don't know what to do, but we are looking to your for help. 2 Chron. 20:12

Thanks for posting this scripture. It really fits in as I wait on some health issues right now. God bless you!

[Kimberly]

Thanks for this great reminder that he is the only consultant that we need. Praise God that he always hears our cry for help.

[Tamara]

This is just what I needed this morning! Oh how I don't know what, how, or when to do "it"... Looking to Him! Lord just help me to understand and hear your answers...above all the other clamoring, fear, insecurity, etc... in my mind. Thank you so much for this post Holley! Blessings to you!

[ann in indy]

Thanks Holley! Great reminder to lean on my Lord.

[Debbie]

I think that verse sums up my whole life! ha! And it makes people roll their eyes when I say I'm asking God for help and to make a way for me/us. But . . .I'm still here, so it must be working. :) God bless you Holley! You made my morning! Deb

[Eileen]

You would think it would be an obvious answer to those who pray each day..however, consulting our Lord on things I mentally and emotionally struggle with daily, had not occured to me. Thank you Holley for the reminder. I pray that He will bring strength, patience and love to each of you today.

Eileen

[Dawn]

God has used you today to speak directly to my heart. Thanks for the reminder to consult with the Lord. I'm in the midst of a big decision and I don't know what to do but I do know the One who does.

[Marilyn]

I was at a Bible study the other night...and heard a lady speak this...thought it went along with your devotional today. "How many times do we wonder why things aren't working for us, when we suddenly stop, look around and realize we have taken over trying to do it ourselves? We have quit letting God have control because we think we can manage on our own. Then we wonder..."Where is He anyway?" and we look around, and there He is. Following along behind us all the time and with this look of "when are you ever going to learn to lean on Me? What is it going to take for you to lay it ALL down...and let ME carry it for you?" It is then that we have to reach around behind us, grab His hand, and put Him before us so we can follow His lead once again. He WILL get us through. Our trust and faith in Him is where it all starts, and life will be so much more simple. Pray ladies....PRAY! He DOES hear our cries! And he WILL answer us, "in His time." We can't go to the altar with our "suitcase" full of "stuff"...take out one thing at a time and say "ok Lord...here is this..and this..and this person don't like me, and here are my job issues, and here are my financial woes"...and then turn around and pack it all back in the suitcase and take it back to our pew. NO....you MUST LEAVE IT AT THE ALTAR ladies!! He will bear our burdens for us...but we HAVE to LET GO of them so He can. We will never get anywhere unless we turn loose of them. He WANTS to help us. It is only us who is hindering Him. AMEN??God bless you all and have a beautiful day with the Lord!

[Jo@Mylestones]

Oh this is exactly what I needed to read today. You're so right--it doesn't have to be complicated! Love that verse & the application ...