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For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD,
and he ponders all his paths.
—Proverbs 5:21
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If you didn’t take a moment to read Proverbs 5:21, the verse above, please do. It’s one of those verses that I have to read multiple times because I struggle to grasp that the God of the universe actually ponders the details of my life . . . the details of your life.
It’s nearly impossible to pray when we don’t believe God cares enough to hear our words and know our ways. But according to Scripture, the Father isn’t just aware of our plight, He ponders its subtleties; He searches out every possibility, guiding us into a more complete understanding of ourselves, of life, of Him.
One proverb earlier (4:26), we’re told to “ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.” The Hebrew word for ponder could also be translated “make level.” When we patiently participate in what God has done, is doing, and will do (ponder), we start to recognize and trust God’s power to level mountains and raise valleys.
But we cannot ponder if we will not pause.
Response
Our family has navigated a lot these past couple of weeks—my wife’s father passed, her grandmother passed, our son began high school, and we hosted over 300 people in Colorado Springs for our Fourteenth Annual Messenger Cup. It’s been hard to take a deep breath.
But God keeps meeting me in these passages of ponderance, showing me again and again that despite my first take or experience, when I dare to take a second look at what lies behind me, I do indeed see evidence that only His goodness and steadfast love are the ones following me. And when I see God’s faithfulness in my past, I find courage to take on whatever lies ahead of me, one day at a time.
My challenge for you this week has two parts. First, acknowledge that God ponders (makes level) your life and pray from that place of security and faith. Second, pause to ponder your own paths. Don’t just blaze forward, allowing the tyranny of the urgent to set your course. Take deep breaths and remember how God’s come through for you before, receiving the perspective that comes with a healthy pace.
Closing Thoughts
There’s a moment in Psalm 5 where David tells us to “be agitated (angry), and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts . . . and be silent.” As a poet and lyricist, David isn’t suggesting we abandon messy words but he knows a pondering posture eventually leads to powerful words of praise.
We mustn’t forget there’s a holy silence that creates space for God to speak . . . and for us to hear.
Praying with you,
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