“In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
that he channels towards all who please him.” (Proverbs 21:1) (NIVUK)
Imagine a river starting its course high in the mountains. On its journey to the sea, it experiences many things – the shocking, unexpected surge of a waterfall, being hemmed in on all sides by river banks or jagged cliffs…. sometimes raging, sometimes meandering, and at times stagnating where its way has been blocked by debris.
There are rough and rocky sections with obstacles to be traversed, and open country for the river to spread out and enrich the land, forming streams and creating ponds to provide life-giving water for birds and animals.
Just as the river experiences sunshine and storms, tumult and peace, narrow and broad paths, twist and turns, daylight and darkness, so it is with our lives.
To be wise, our hearts need to be flexible and fluid, open and adaptable to change. We should yield to the Lord as he lovingly holds us in his hands, directing us one way and then another through the varied experiences of life – through both pleasant and painful times, and along the broad clear paths and the narrow, constricted ways.
“In all your ways submit to Him,
And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6) (NIVUK)
Karen Barclay
