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Sirach 37:15 "And besides all this pray to the Most High that he may direct your way in truth."

 

Oh man, this is so perfect for me today! The "all this" Sirach refers to is: "But stay constantly with a godly man whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments, whose soul is in accord with your soul, and who will sorrow with you if you fail. And establish the counsel of your own heart, for no one is more faithful to you than it is. For a man's soul sometimes keeps him better informed than seven watchmen sitting high on a watchtower." (Sirach 37:12-15) But Sirach ends "all this" by recommending prayer to the Most High, prayer that He will direct your way in truth. And He will! He wants to! All we have to do is let go of our will and ask Him, He will show us the way. 

 

I have been struggling with something important lately, and have been relying on my own counsel and the counsel of someone I know to be godly and a keeper of the commandments. But even with that, my heart was torn, my soul was unsettled. I felt uneasy, I was of two minds, unsure of the right path forward, seeing possible benefits and dangers in every step.

 

After taking what felt like a misstep a few days ago, it came to me that I needed a really heartfelt confession. I resolved to go as soon as possible, but then changed my mind (ha!), thinking I should wait until Holy Week to so that I would not have to go again before Easter (that was my will, which is often practical to a fault). Yesterday morning, though, I woke up with a strong urge to go to a nearby shrine for confession and Mass that day. Unfortunately, I had an appointment that made that impossible, so I resolved to go the following Monday, putting it on my calendar so I wouldn't renege on myself. But when the appointment was rescheduled, I knew the Holy Spirit was directing my way, so I went, and had one of the best confessions I've ever had. It was pure joy. Everything fell into place.

 

God was waiting to direct my way in His truth. I had been praying, but I had also been relying on my own counsel and that of others, and it was getting in the way, as my heart and soul were trying to tell me. In confession, when I laid my will at His feet, and asked for His grace and guidance, He wrapped me in His love and mercy and lightened my heart. I know that as long as I continue to allow Him sole authority, He will direct my way in truth.