Today’s Reading: Isaiah 65-66; 1Timothy 2
“I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, according to their own thoughts” (Isaiah 65:2)
I went to a new hair stylist this past week. Have you ever had that feeling of vulnerability when meeting someone new who has scissors in his or her hands? I was anxious, but this stylist's reputation put my fears a little more at ease as I waited to get in the chair. To break the ice, he joked that he wanted to cut my hair really short. Everyone in the salon laughed including me, the "first time visitor" joke. However, by the time he was finished trimming my hair, he told me that my hair should be cut really short. It is a terrible feeling to get your hair cut just the way you requested, then have the person who cut it tell you that your hair would look better another way.
I left relieved and confused at the same time. Relieved that he did what I asked of him but confused that he did not like what he did. After talking and praying to the Lord about this experience, I came to the conclusion that it is a matter of professional opinion and training on the part of the hair stylist, but more of a matter of convenience and comfort on my part. There is no right or wrong answer, just preference.
With our issues in life, we pray and ask God for His guidance, but then, we go and do what we want. That works fine when you sit in a salon but not when dealing with the ways of God. We need to listen and obey what He says. God addresses many of these issues very clearly in the Bible. God's ways are not a matter of opinion or a strong suggestion; they are commands. We have to remember that those commands are written for our protection. Our Lord cares about everything we do and every detail of our lives (even how we get our hair cut). Regardless of the issues in your life, big or small, read God's Word every day for clear instruction and ask Him for guidance. You may not always agree with your hair stylist but that is okay. Agreeing with the Lord, however, brings a peace and joy that cannot even begin to compare to the best of haircuts.
