Proverbs 3:32

Proverbs 11:20

Proverbs 16:5

Proverbs 28:9 and Proverbs 29:25-27

Abominable Prayers

Abominable me, abominable prayers: How is this for a way to begin the day? Not exactly what I usually shoot for as a goal. Does the word abominable even go with the word prayer? Yet, today, my “apple of gold” (Proverbs 25:11) is found in proverbs. They stopped me cold in my tracks and sent chills down my spine.

Fear Inside Out

“Fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the LORD. An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.” (Proverbs 3:32, Proverbs 28:9 and 29:25-27)   I do not get out of bed each day with the goal to be an abomination, to either God or man. In truth, I avoid conflict at ALL costs! My fear of man (another’s displeasure with me) drives most of my actions, words, and thoughts. It is so bad I make myself crazy! And as I am learning it is based in PRIDE: the sin that got Lucifer kicked out of heaven.

Fear of Man

Rabbit Caught

Let me give you an example of my insanity. I have a friend (I truly care about her very much and I am grateful for her) who makes me a nervous wreck. She has a strong personality and is a control freak. She is demanding and expects everyone to dance to the beat of her drum. One day, I was in WalMart and I rounded the aisle and she was bent down facing away from me. I bolted like a scared rabbit. Out the far exit I scampered and flew to my car without what I needed. I was Just. Not. Up. To. Her. that day! My heart was beating out of my chest, I could scarcely breathe, and upon the realization of what I had just done, tears flowed down my face. “Fear of man” had trapped me as surely as a rabbit in a snare. I was NOT trusting in the LORD! The enemy won a big victory that day and not a word was spoken. But God used this defeat for His glory and certainly my good. The enemy was using her as surely as he used Peter against Jesus. Anyone feel my pain???

Abomination

Here it is in black and white. If I am righteous (do what is right in the eyes of God) I WILL BE an abomination to the wicked (those who oppose the godly). The Spirit within me will contend with their spirit. My battle is NOT with “flesh and blood.” (Ephesians 6:12) To compromise, just to keep peace is to join heart and hand with the ungodly and this makes my prayers an abomination to the LORD Most High! What? My prayers are abominable? Can it get any worse? Proverbs 15:8-9 explains this: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD but He loves him who follows righteousness. I cannot straddle the fence. I. Can. Not. walk with one foot in sin and expect my prayers to be heard. I cannot “walk between two fires” and not get scorched! Did I say, I hate conflict?

Pride is abominable to God

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” To live for Christ is to be at odds with all the enemy controls. Pride makes me want to please man. The Word is very clear about what pride does: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) Pride is trusting in myself! You can see how that is working for me. Pride makes me and my prayers abominable!!!

Wisdom

Wisdom is in who I trust. The Scriptures are replete with encouragement for me and my problem. Psalm 56:3-4 Whenever I am afraid (which is often) I will trust in YOU. In God (I will praise His word), In God I put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do to me.” (Psalm 118:6 & 8) The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? It is better to trust in the LORD than put confidence in man. And Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will NEVER forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

People Pleaser

I am a people pleaser. This is what makes me an abomination. (Proverbs 3:32) It is Jesus alone I need to please. No one can give me eternal life except Jesus. These proverbs slapped me senseless. It is a wake up call for me. In trying so hard to please people, I am exhibiting a prideful spirit that continues to rule my heart and puts me at risk for all the other abominations (the seven things the LORD hates-Proverbs 6:16-19). It is this that makes my prayers unacceptable. I cannot live like the devil (trying to be in control, turning away from God, ignoring His Word) and expect to have my prayers heard. Proverbs 28:26 is my hope! “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered!!!!” Thank you Jesus!

Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; and a broken and contrite heart. (Psalm 51:10-12, 17) As I read these words, tears flow in gratitude for all the Lord has provided to me through the sacrifice of His precious Son.

 

 

Create In Me A Clean Heart by Keith Green

Suggested reading for all you people pleasers out there. Be warned, it is not for the faint of heart!

Pleasing People by Lou Priolo

Link to purchase

treadin on

Yvonne H Jones