As human beings, we don’t want to be found guilty for anything, even if we are. It is easier for us to blame others in order to have a reason for our behavior or choices. On the television show, Laugh-in, which aired from 1968 to 1973, Flip Wilson declared, “the devil made me do it!” This declaration was made famous and many of us used it. In fact, Eve blamed the serpent for her sinful choice in the garden. In essence saying, “the devil made me do it!” But what did Adam say, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:12) This shifting of blame falls to two people, the woman and to God. We may ask, “Who does Adam think he is blaming God?” However, in my reading of the Proverbs today, I came across a verse that is very clear concerning our blaming God for our sinful ways.

“When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.” Proverbs 19:3

Think about the following statements. You and I have probably made these statements, never considering how we are blaming God.

“If I had grown up in a different family, then I would be a better person today.”

“If I had married someone else, I could have really been a bright light for God.”

“Life is hard. I can’t help the things I do because of it. Where is God?”

“All the people who loved me are gone! God has taken all love from me.”

If we believe God is sovereign, does that mean He is to blame for all the bad things that happen in my life? How should we think? What needs to happen for us to realize our sovereign God is on our side? WE HAVE TO BELIEVE THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD! His sovereignty is never devoid of His goodness. Our blaming of God seems to come from our desire to be in a place that we think is best for us. However, we are reminded that our heart is deceitful in Jeremiah 17:9. We really don’t know what’s best for us, even when we think we do. We can’t really argue against our Creator. He always knows best!

“No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.”       Proverbs 21:30

Our tendency is to think we know best for our lives. We can be so sure about something and yet be so wrong. The verse above says that we have no wisdom that can come against the Lord. He is wisdom. He gives understanding. He is our counselor. We need to listen to Him and follow His word in the hard times of life. Most of the time, we get caught up in what we’re thinking about the situation and are not really seeking the Lord’s way. We should all evaluate what we think would be best for us right now and then yield that to the Lord. He will use our desires for His purposes or He will change them. We need to spend our time seeking His way, rather than what we think is best. How do we do that? Where do we turn?

1. Turn to the Word of God.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• Pray to the Lord for His help and direction

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

• Seek wise counsel from someone who is mature in their faith.

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14

• Believe God is who He says He is.

“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” Exodus 34:6b

•  We must believe that God will fulfill His purpose for us.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

• We must walk in the Spirit even when it’s hard.

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” Galatians 5:25

So, are we guilty of sin? Yes, we are. We must take responsibility for our actions, words, and lack of actions. This will happen when we believe God knows and wants what’s best for each of His children. Are there consequences to our actions? Absolutely! The great thing is we can face the consequences with God walking with us through them. He wants to teach us His ways, making us look more like Jesus. Let’s stop blaming God today! Instead, let’s embrace His ways and His goodness! There is no better place to be than at His feet.