For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do

Day 22

 He Will Make Your Paths Straight 

Do you ever think, I have no idea what I’m doing! You have no idea why you make the decisions you do. Even when you know something is wrong, harmful, or hurts the heart of God, no matter what you try to do, you can’t seem to stay away from it and do the right thing. 

It’s maddening. Don’t worry—you aren’t alone. Our friend Paul felt the same way, and he was a man entrusted by Jesus to travel the world spreading the gospel and leading people into a relationship with God! He wrote, I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do…For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do- this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:15–20) Don’t you find so much comfort in this scripture? 

The apostle Paul himself sounds like a mad man. Round and round in circles he goes, wondering why on earth he cannot get it together, leave all of his sin behind, and merely do what is right. The reality is that we all feel this way. It’s completely normal. If you continue reading Paul’s letter, he goes on to explain that there is a war going on inside of us; our sin nature tries to enslave us and capture our hearts. But thanks be to God! He is our rescuer and He delivers us through Jesus Christ our Lord, and we are free. 

God created us, and He knew our minds would be battling this war between sin and righteousness. We must not rely on our own understanding, but instead, trust in where He guides us. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Psalm 3:5–6) 

Believe that God will make your path straight, and be relieved that the pressure isn’t on you to always know what to do. Your loving Father does though, and He is eager to lead the way. You must simply trust and follow. 

Today’s Scriptures Romans 7:15–20 Psalm 3:5–6