Yom Sheni, Av 23, 6003 – August 6, 2018
Assumption’s Reign
One amazing attribute of humans is our uncanny ability to assume. It seems to be based on our opinion that we must be in the know. We think we know, therefore we draw conclusions from these thoughts, not from facts. These conclusions? You guessed it – they are assumptions. What often then happens is we generate more thoughts from these assumptions, and then we are off to the races! Assumptions, on assumptions, on assumptions…wow! At this point, for us personally, our assumptions are in charge of our actions and speech.
Now this becomes a particular challenge when we are in positions of “authority” in a group. That is a challenge because now that authority is in the hands of someone not driven by fact, but by assumption. That is when truly, assumptions reign. Please understand this is not a criticism of anyone in authority, for we all are in authority for at least ourselves. This is written to help us all find our way to truth. And, you can believe me when I say, I get it that this can be hard to hear. It is for me too.
Since this is an attribute known to be true to humans, how might we overcome this? There are really two parts, at least. The first is to know that we are in fact making assumptions. This is tricky. Assumptions are based on drawing conclusions not based on truth (fact), but we don not know that. We are in a place where we think we know the truth, the facts. How can we avoid that?
When we listen, resist the temptation to respond. Instead, listen to hear.
The second step is really straight forward. My response is not meant to be trite. My response – don’t assume, pray.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
It is very important to ask ourselves:
Are we listening to hear, or are we listening to respond?
If our first reaction to a situation is to give advice, likely we are listening to respond. Only God knows, we need to ask in order to know.
Today, let’s all try not to act like we know, as if we were God. Instead, let’s all listen to hear, and then pray.
Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King. Praise the name YAH! Let Your kingdom come here in the hearts and minds of mankind. Let Your will be done here perfectly, as it is in heaven. Send us now Your overwhelming provision. Deliver us from the evil here. Forgive us our trespasses and transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have trespassed or transgressed against us. Wipe away all thoughts and memories of the evil done to us or by us. In their place let there be only thoughts and memories of You and Your love toward us. Restore Your people to a better place than they ever have had. Restore unto Your people all that the worm has eaten. Restore unto Your people one thousandfold all that has been taken or held back in any way of that which is good, and the more besides. Send in quickly the $423,923,962.53 that we might use it to promote the kingdom of God here in the hearts and minds of mankind. We ask all these things in the name of our Messiah, and we ask them of You, Father. WE ask all these things in the name YAH Yeshuah HaMashiak. Amen.