Are you feeling "mulish" today?

I know I have those days. I'm talking about the days when I just don't feel like listening to anyone. Or doing what anyone else tells me. And I especially don't want someone trying to boss me around on days like this.

Even God.

I just want to listen to my own voice. I want to do what I feel like doing. I want to be my own boss.

I want to take care of No. 1. And on my mulish days, "No. 1" is me!

But God has some wise counsel for me, made just for days like that. His loving eye is still on me. He doesn't want to have to force me to do the things he knows will turn out best for me. In his unfailing love, he wants to guide me to the things that will bring me blessings instead of woes.

Maybe you have the occasional mulish day yourself. If so, God has some wise counsel for you, too.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him" (Psalm 32:8-10, NIV).

Our Bible reading for Wednesday, March 11, is Leviticus 23:1 - 24:23, Mark 15:33-47 and 32:1-11.

Lord, I know that I am often stubborn. I selfishly want what I want -- even when it's not what you want for me. Please forgive me, and send me your Holy Spirit so I stop digging my heels in all the time. Thank you for your unfailing love that surrounds me, even when I am a stubborn sinner.

Header image based on "Donkeys" by Guichard, CC By-SA 2.0