Proverbs 16: 20 (NLT)
“Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
those who trust the Lord will be joyful.”
I like this verse. It is so positive. It’s the kind of verse I’d put on my mirror to lift my spirits when I was feeling frustrated.
First of all, it tells me to listen to instruction – learn. So if I’m feeling frustrated because I just can’t get something right, I need to stop trying my way and look for something new. Or if I’m feeling a little nervous about something, I need to figure out where to get some help. Or if I’m taking on a new job, I need to listen to the people who have done things like this before; their wisdom will help me get a good start. Or if I have a goal in mind, I should listen to how others achieved similar goals. Prosperity (not meaning financial success but success in general) is more likely to come to me when I listen and learn from others.
But you can be successful, but not necessarily happy. That’s why I like the second part of the verse. Trusting in the Lord brings joy. This idea of listening to advice and leaving the results up to God can really bring calm to our days.
I don’t know what you’re facing today or this week, but don’t be afraid to ask for advice. And tell God that you are trusting Him to work things out. “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.”
Our song for today is Joy by Rend Collective.