Duh!

OK, I confess, I don’t like the word of the title of today’s devotion, but in all honesty, it was the best word to use. Duh! Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines the word as used to express actual or feigned ignorance or stupidity. Wikipedia defines “duh” as an American English slang exclamation that is used to express disdain for someone missing the obviousness of something. On one particular day, I was that someone and the something was a Road Closed sign. Let me recreate the scene for you.

It was another hot day in July. We left the swimming pool wet, hungry, and smelling of a mixture of sun screen and sweat. On top of all that, we were stuck in traffic. I knew there was a short cut – if only I could get up to the light.  At last, a break in traffic emerged. As I made my way to the turn lane, I noticed a huge orange road construction sign.  The words clearly stated: ROAD CLOSED: NO THRU TRAFFIC. I paused momentarily but for some reason thought, “I can get through.”  Can you guess what happened next?  The road was closed. I did not get through. I had to turn around.

DUH!

As I began going back the way I came, it was if I heard the Lord say, “Duh?”  Notice I said “it was as if”.  I am sure the God of the Universe would use a bigger and more profound statement than “Duh” when one of His children deliberately doesn’t follow directions. Then again… maybe not. I admit I answered back with a “Yeah, I heard you loud and clear.”

God’s directives in our lives are not always clear.  His paths for us are not always easy, and at times very difficult to determine. But there are times when He gives us clear instructions – but we choose to follow our own understanding, like I did that day. I knew what the sign said and I knew what the sign meant.  However, my own understanding of the situation said that I could be the exception to the sign. I could have my way.

Today’s key scripture tells us the key to avoiding “duh” moments is to trust the Lord with all our heart.  Sounds simple, doesn’t it?  But it isn’t. We want action. We want now. We want progress so we start to lean on our understanding to make things happen. By doing this we get to the end of the road… only to find that it is closed.

How do we trust the Lord with all our heart? Pray to. Ask Him to help you learn to trust Him. Ask Him everyday until you feel your faith grow. You will know your faith is growing when you look at a “road closed” sign and turn in the other direction.