If you’ve ever had the chance to put something together, a book shelf, a swing set, whatever it was always came with instructions. Some have great pictures that you can simply see how it’s assembled, other things are a bit more difficult and come with pages of diagrams and details, tools and screws, some even package the different screws individually. The point is, it’s easier to put things together if the instructions are clear.

I think Proverbs 12:1 sums it up wonderfully; “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” What could take an hour or less with instructions, could take all day if you try to do it without them. Trust me, I’ve seen this play out so many times in my life. “Why don’t you look at the instructions?” To which the general reply is, “Who needs instructions?” Lord, we ALL need instructions. To navigate through my day, I need instructions.

In reading through the Bible, all of the great victories were due to the people getting instructions from the Lord first. David even asked if they should fight the battle because he refused to go out without the Lord on his side. He found it was easier to pray first and fight second than to risk fighting on his own and losing. From taking down the giant, to the final battle, David never went out without instructions. Now that’s a wise man!

Lord, daily I will seek your instructions. As Job 22:22 begs, Receive, please, instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart. I have hidden your Words in my heart so I won’t sin against you. Daily I come to you and the one thing I desire the most is that I will never be too busy to hear your voice giving me direction. I am as the blind, constantly needing a helper to show me the right path to take. My help comes from You, Lord. So I wait on you, patiently resting in the knowledge that you hold the instructions and I need you to put this all together.