Day 6: Course correction
Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown (Numbers 22:31).
Loving, gracious God our Father, Shepherd and Overseer of our souls, what a wonderful promise You have given to children of dust, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you" (Psalm 32:8).
You instruct us in the way of wisdom, whose ways are pleasant ways and... paths are peace (Proverbs 3:17). The only hindrance is our own resistance: “Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you,” You tell us (Psalm 32:9).
Lord, Your plans for us are good. You have told us that it is God who works in us to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). Help us to trust Your plan, Your leading, and Your fulfillment, no matter how alluring other options may seem. Keep us from impatience, worry, and anxiety. Keep us from comparison, discontentment, jealousy and envy.
You have told us that what You open no one can shut and what You shut no one can open (Isaiah 22:22, Revelation 3:7). Lead us to Your open doors, so we do not end our days in futility (Psalm 78:33), trying to pry open doors You have firmly shut.
Keep us from the sinful deceit of Balaam, who was drawn into evil— enticed by greed and corrupt gain. (Numbers 22: 4-33). Guard our own hearts from the rebellion that insists on its own way.
Deliver us from the willfulness that lures us into resistance and opposition to God. Quell in us the leanings and temptations that would take us on journeys of disobedience down reckless paths (Numbers 22:32).
O God, You are gracious and merciful. Keep us from dark paths that would hem us in, and crush us against the walls of disobedience. Open our eyes to recognize Your deterrents so that we respond wisely— not like Balaam, who berated, cursed, and abused the God-sent barriers and obstacles that kept him from harm.
Give us willing spirits to embrace Your wise direction, Your loving discipline, and Your course correction. May we be compelled and constrained by love (2 Corinthians 5:14), and not by bit and bridle.
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