Hosea 14:9 Who is wise? He will realize these things.
Who is discerning? He will understand them.
The ways of the Lord are right;
the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them.

The first half of this verse brings to mind several other verses, the most famous of which being, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Pro­verbs 9:10) The Japanese uses the term loved in Buddhism, “satori” (noun) or “satoru,” (verb) saying, “Whoever has wisdom, let him discern (satoru) these things; whoever has discernment (satori), let him know them well.” The second half of the verse is even more interesting in the Japanese: “The Lord’s road is smooth. Righteous people walk on it, but rebellious people stumble on it.” In other words, if your heart is turned toward God, His way is the easiest of all. However, if your heart is turned against Him, His way seems impossible. Everything depends on our heart attitude. If our attitude is right, then we will gain more and more knowledge and understanding of the Lord and His ways, and it will seem easy and delightful. If our attitude is not right, then God will seem mysterious and unknowable, and His demands impossible to satisfy. God doesn’t change, but our attitude makes all the difference. That’s why Jesus repeatedly told us to be like little children. Children can be rebellious too, but properly raised, their big distinctive is trust. They are dependent on their parents and know it instinctively, expecting their needs to be met. If we are to walk properly in all that God has prepared for us, then we will be the same. There are countless videos circulating on the Internet of little children delighting in their parents, and we need to be the same way. That’s the heart attitude that will bring us the peace, joy, and satisfaction that we desire.

I had the enormous blessing of being raised by wise parents who loved and followed God. That’s why, at age five, I said to my moth­er, “Mommy, I really, really love you, but I don’t love you nearly as much as I love Jesus.” (They reported that in their Christmas newsletter that year.) I wish I could say that I have always maintained that attitude, but it has been a foundation to which I have returned time and time again. When I encounter things that aren’t pleasing to me in the moment, I need to remember that everything God allows in my life is for my ultimate benefit, if I will respond in trust and obedience. If that is my attitude, then it will be easy to do as Paul advised: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Father, thank You for this reminder. All sorts of things are changing around me, and I need to stay grounded in You. May my attitude always be right, not just for my blessing but so that others may also be drawn to You, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!