I have been living in Ipswich for quite some time, and I know many of the roads and the usual traffic. I often use a travel app which, though not always perfect, helps me on most of my journeys, especially in new places.
A few weeks ago, I had to go through the town centre. Since I was very familiar with the roads and the traffic, I felt confident and did not use the app. The journey started well, but soon I was stuck in heavy traffic. When I checked the app, I saw it had already shown a traffic jam on that road. I learned an important lesson through that experience: the danger of familiarity.
Sometimes, when we think we know everything, we stop listening, stop checking, and stop being careful. The same can happen in our ministry, our work, and our daily life. God has given us His Word, people, and good tools to guide us. But when we rely only on our own experience, we may miss God’s guidance.
The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5–6:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Even when we think we know the way, God may want to show us a new direction. So, let us trust him and listen to his voice every day, not only when things are new, but even in the familiar.
Prayer: God of grace and compassion, help us to continually trust You and seek your presence and direction in our lives.
Save us from the danger of familiarity and self-confidence that keeps us from depending on you.
Bless us with a good day, and help us to listen to your voice and value the people and resources you have given us.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.