5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

— Proverbs 3:5-6

And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

— Isaiah 30:21

A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

— Proverbs 16:9

17 So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath.

18 Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.

19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain

–Hebrews 6:17-19

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

When different competing voices surround us, what helps us navigate life? Our circumstances, often challenging, can lead us either to swerve into compromise or to solidify our commitment to what matters most. We face emotions kindled by life’s adversities. When own sin and missteps cause shame and sorrow to us, do we proceed compelled by faith rather than crippled by fear?

We live in a world that is antagonistic toward Jesus Christ and those who believe in Him. Drawing unwanted attention or facing condemnation from others seems treacherous. In this kind of unfriendly and even oppressive environment, what can help us fix our eyes on heaven’s priorities? What is the steady anchor for us to sail in life’s stormy wavy seas? Steadfast faith in Jesus and the power of the gospel lead us believers to know we have Jesus Christ and we can trust Him under all circumstances. We have nothing to lose in standing for Christ.