There's a way to steer clear of WITS'
END neighborhood--obey the signs to avoid it in the first place. The Word of God
provides them.
Since our “wits” are our own smarts, our
understanding, wisdom, and abilities, Proverbs 3:5, 6 erects the
direction signs. It points us in a positive direction and
also gives us a negative caution. Let's be thankful for both. When
we see a “Do not enter” or “Wrong way” signpost, that's as
important as a direction sign that points “This Way.”
“Trust in the Lord with all your
heart [positive], and do not lean on your own understanding
[negative].” Bottom line: You should never depend on your own
“wits.” You should trust God completely with all that is within
you, and lean in the direction of His wisdom, not your own. Don't
wait until the waves are higher than your ship to ask God to calm
your storm. Acknowledge Him as your Captain, give Him the helm as
soon as you sail off. He will set your proper course and guide you
into a safe haven. “He will make your paths straight” Proverbs
promises.
Another way to avoid the WITS' END
neighborhood is found in Psalm 107:43. “Who is wise? Let him give
heed to these things; and consider the lovingkindnesses of the Lord.”
Heed what things? All the wonderful things God has already done
that were itemized in that Psalm.
It's an exciting and rewarding study
to take a highlighter and go through Psalm 107 noting the
lovingkindnesses of the Lord. Those remembrances will assure us that
God is going to see us through our present storm as He did in
the past. I found thirty-three marvelous things the Lord had done for
His people. What a faith-builder! Here are a few: God redeemed
them, gathered them, delivered, led, satisfied, filled, humbled,
saved, broke their bands, cut bars, healed them, spoke to them,
guided them, blessed them—you can find others yourself. We feel
like singing, “To God be the glory! Great things He has done!”
For a personal faith-builder while
avoiding the Evil One's siren invitation to buy property in the WITS'
END neighborhood, try making a list of the specific and wonderful
ways the Lord led you in the past, what He brought you
through, rescued you from, how He has blessed you. Give heed to them,
consider them, meditate on them, think seriously about the mercies
and goodness of the Lord. The longer we live, the longer the list.
This will build our assurance that God will continue to be faithful
to us for the rest of our days.
If those of us who are supposed to be
more mature in chronological age or spiritual age are always running
off to WITS' END neighborhood, we aren't good role models for the
Lord before others. Let's hurry and get out of that neighborhood entirely!
Let's put down our
stakes in the place which Psalm 91 recommends: “He who dwells in
the shelter [secret place] of the Most High will abide in the shadow
of the Almighty.” That neighborhood is a joyful one with happy and helpful neighbors--peaceful, secluded and
shady. Because The Most High lives there it is a secure, gated
community.
What's more, the Ol' Tempter doesn't have a real estate
license to sell property there. We are safe—he doesn't even know the
password to enter!
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