solving problems with more problems

"in his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps" proverbs 16:9

my husband and i have been doing a couples bible study for the past few weeks now. solving the problems that we have as a couple has been a huge commitment for us. not just is it for the strength of our marriage, but also for the love of our children that we tackle these issues.

communication and compromise seem to be the key. small issues turn to bigger issues. bigger issues seem to be replaced and the old are never resolved. our desire to control a situation without listening to what the other individual is saying is usually the root of the problem. most of us know there is a GOD we just choose not to listen.

every individual needs guidance at least once in their life. every individual has to learn to compromise at one point or another. the problem with our world seems to be that no one is willing to compromise so we end up creating even bigger problems than we had before. one group has a view and the other has a view, but which one is the right one? what if we said neither was the right one, just different?

"i will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; i will counsel you and watch over you." psalm 32:8

we each have the ability to discern what is good from evil. we know that it is wrong to commit murder. we know that it is wrong to steal. we know that it is wrong to rape. what about the small things that you never think of? envy of another is wrong. jealousy of another is wrong. worry is wrong. idolatry is wrong (think about money in this society). lust for another that is not your own is wrong. overindulgence is wrong. we know in hearts that this is wrong, because scripture has told us these things are wrong.

if you attend church, bible study, and read the bible daily but don't apply it to your life then you are committing a sin against GOD. if we continually commit sin then we will continually not be able to solve our problems. being able to face yourself in the mirror and confess your problems to the LORD and others is one of the greatest acts of humility you will ever make. being able to forgive yourself and others is what GOD has asked you to do.

we take for granted what CHRIST has done for us in our daily lives. we assume that even the smallest sins will be forgiven over and over again. we feel like GOD will never hold us accountable because HE has made a promise to us with the blood of HIS SON. what if GOD decided to take away that promise? what if HE said HE didn't forgive us for what we do; where would we be?

we can't solve problems with more problems. we have to have the strength and commitment to solve the problems we have no matter how hard they are.

"whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying this is the way; walk in it." isaiah 30:21