Let’s say you haven’t been sleeping well for the past two months. You ask God for help and He directs you to read Proverbs 3:24 which says, you can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. That night, you sleep soundly. Since you slept well after reading Proverbs 3:24, you decide to read it the next night. It works again. So, you keep reading that scripture every night for a week. After a week, you read Proverbs 3:24 like normal, but you don’t sleep well. You read it the next night, and you still don’t sleep well. What’s the problem?

A reason why reading Proverbs 3:24 may not be working is because that was yesterday’s instructions. We should be listening for today’s instructions. But since we’ve been enjoying the results of sleeping well, we’re not listening to get today’s instructions. Today’s instructions could be telling us to simply go to bed without reading the scripture. If we’re not mindful, we’ll turn yesterday’s instructions into superstition or legalism.

Whether it’s sleeping well, parenting, preparing for a job interview, or believing God for His promises, be mindful to consult God to get today’s instructions instead of operating from yesterday’s instructions.

Proverbs 16:20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.