Perhaps it has always been true, but would you agree that these days it is extremely hard to know whom or what to believe? Human beings are born with an innate propensity to interpret evidence in ways that support or are consistent with one’s present or existing views and values. We have what is known as a “confirmation bias”, which means that it is much more likely that you and I will choose to accept as true whatever confirms or affirms our present beliefs and identity or is consistent with our desires. Rather than seek out information which could open our minds to expanding our understanding or help us to see beyond our present reality, it is no doubt easier to simply reinforce what we already assume is truth.
If it is true that “the more we believe in something, the more likely we are to seek even God’s confirmation for our opinion”, how does this impact the way that we communicate with God? Some of the earliest prayers recorded for us in the Old Testament are between God and Abram – a man who was willing to listen to God and follow His instructions. Isn’t it interesting that at very strategic moments Abram chose to be obedient and to trust God while at other times he took his safety or well-being into his own hands? While not perfect, he became, over his lifetime, a great example of a man who valued God’s truth and promises over his own logic, reasoning, and common sense. He believed what God had promised to him!
When you “call on the name of the Lord”, how eager are you to listen, to let Him change your mind or to move you out of your preconceived ideas of what is true? What will your descendants remember about you?
