As the alarm clock roused me out of my sleep, I was met with sharp neck pain. I had slept in an awkward position and now my neck had a “crook” in it as the old folks would say.
My first response was to rub and stretch my neck, but this crick wasn’t going anywhere soon. As my alarm buzzed again, I realized I didn’t have time to tend to my stiff neck. The day… and my long list of to-do’s were awaiting me.
All-day long, my stiff neck was a constant reminder of resting in the wrong position. It took multiple days of stretching to relieve the pain of eight hours of sleep. Can you imagine how long it would take to heal multiple years of the wrong posture before God? Proverbs 29:1 highlights what happens.
Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
Proverbs 29:1 NIV
Proverbs calls them “stiff-necked” meaning someone who is stubborn and refuses to accept direction. Essentially, they’re stuck in the wrong position and refuse to change which results in severe consequences. “Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.” (Proverbs 15:10) God is forgiving and merciful. Our Heavenly Father sends correction and instruction in multiple ways. It’s our job as believers to stretch ourselves and yield to God’s direction.
Will you stretch beyond your usual routines and shift your posture to receive what He has for you?
Today, you have a choice to listen to God’s instruction and follow His will for your life. Refuse to allow your current position to keep you from experiencing God’s grace and protection. The stretch, though painful at times, is worth it.
