DEVOTION

Years ago, I had the privilege of owning a two-door, four-cylinder, stick shift, tin can on wheels. One day while driving, a small red light began to flicker on the dash. This light had a picture of an oil lamp on it, letting me know something was going on with the oil system.

Now, being the responsible, mechanically-inclined, and optimistic car owner that I am, I was delighted when the little red oil light flickered off. “Boom!” I thought to myself, “Problem solved, dodged a bullet this time!” I am still slightly embarrassed to admit that for the next few months this process repeated itself over and over again. Light flickers on, I think I may have an issue. Light flickers off, I celebrate the awesomeness of my apparent self-repairing car.

In the counseling world, we would label this as a solid combination of denial and wishful thinking, and it doesn’t take a skilled mechanic to know where the story is heading. What could have been a simple fix ended up being a massive headache, all because I chose to ignore a small flickering warning light. Yes, the light was actually working correctly and letting me know something was wrong. Nope, my car wasn’t miraculously repairing itself. (Turns out engines don’t run well without any oil in them. Huh, who knew?)

Like cars, people also have warning lights that go off when something isn’t right and needs to be addressed in their life. These warning lights can often appear as anxiety or depression, changes in our sleep patterns, increases or decreases in our diets and weight, and increases in relational conflict with others, to name a few. Perhaps you are less patient than usual, or your tone with someone you love has become edgier. Maybe you find yourself isolating or exploding in anger towards those around you. God has given us the gift of warning lights to bring our attention to areas that need to be addressed. We can deny them, we can hope they get better on their own (they don’t), or we can pay attention and investigate what these warning lights are telling us.

Psalm 139:23-24 is an incredible prayer that invites God to reveal the warning lights that are flickering within us. There is a good chance you may have a warning light in your life flickering on and off right now. Take some time this week to pray through this Psalm and ask God for wisdom on how you can address whatever area of your life needs attention. Like my car’s oil issue, problems don’t just go away or fix themselves on their own. We have to heed the wisdom of these warning lights and courageously address the problems that lie behind them.

PRAYER

Father,

Give me the courage to take the flickering warning lights in my life seriously and to receive your guidance with humility. Thank you for loving me enough to let me know when something isn’t right and for calling me out through the Holy Spirit’s conviction and the feedback of those around me. Continue to shape and mold me into the image that reflects your holiness.

Amen.

Todd Poe

Pastor of LifeCare

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