Last night I had a nightmare: a big, black, mastiff-like dog was snarling and growling at me. It was intimidating me, you know, like the thug who “gets all up in your face” and shouts, “Whatcha gonna do?” This nightmare was so frightening that I googled it. The sources indicated that the nightmare was a manifestation of inner conflict. Wow! For the past few months, I have been struggling with how best I can serve God in my church. I have been very conflicted about how best to use my spiritual gifts which has been the focus of Bible study. I feel pulled into two different directions.
Lately, Proverbs 16:3 has been reappearing in my life.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans.” (NIV)
Years ago, when challenged by my pastor to use the 40 days of the Lenten season to commit at least one Scripture to memory, this is the one I started with. I wrote it on a sticky note and attached it to my desk. During my retirement planning, this is the Scripture I relied on. But since retirement, I will admit that I have neglected this Scripture.
God does not allow me to neglect Him. This Scripture has found its way back to my forethought. I recently found my sticky note, and I have put it in my journal. Proverbs 16:3 was the key verse used during church service last week. Today, when journaling about my nightmare and writing a prayer, my attention fell on my sticky note. I had my AHA moment. Maybe, just maybe, God is telling me that Proverbs 16:3 is the Scripture I need now. Maybe, just maybe, God is telling me that I need to submit my conflict to Him so that He can work it out for me.
Proverbs 16:3 is the best prayer for me to pray when I have inner conflict. I will not just read and memorize this Scripture (a superficial activity), but actually engage with and commit it to my heart (a thoughtful, intentional activity). Whenever I feel conflicted, I will make this Scripture the basis of my prayer to tame the dog.
Reflection: Are you wrestling with something in your life? Relationship? Decision? Direction? Worry? Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to the Scripture you need during the struggle. Make that Scripture the basis of your prayer.
