Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is confidence in the unfaithful in time of trouble. Proverbs 25:19, TLV

Are We Lame or Reliable?      I have a “trick” ankle. There appears to be no rhyme or reason when it decides to give out. I’ll take a step and it’s like the bones turn to rubber. A misstep on stairs or a ladder or while carrying something can be treacherous.

If I knew what caused the weakness then I could not place those demands on it. But, alas, I don’t know, so I can never fully trust it.

“Trick Ankle”

Today’s proverb counsels us about “trick ankle” people. Do you have people like this in your life? For the most part, they are reliable, but at unpredictable — and inevitably important moments — they are not reliable. Even when we forgive them for these events, we’re still unsure if we can depend on them. It leaves a small residue of distrust — at least for a season.

My ankle is a vivid reminder of the importance of my own dependability and reliability. I wish I could say I am always that kind of friend, or loved one, but I’m not. I always mean well, but things happen that can unexpectedly change things.

Own It

One thing I realized after meditating on Proverbs 10, is that I need to own up to a mistake or not following through with a commitment, especially in a time of trouble. Not make excuses. Own up and repent — say I’m sorry. Try to make restitution, when possible.

If this happens a lot, we’re going to feel the sting of having to humble ourselves more frequently than we like. That’s why owning up and saying, “I’m sorry” is important for more than making amends to others. It can alert us that we may have an area we need to work on, like over-committing or people-pleasing.

Our goal is to be trustworthy people. But, if our “trick ankle” acts up, we need to give it attention and work through the problem. And, by God’s grace and mercy, and the forgiveness of friends and family, I continue to do my best.

Think More About It

Do you have a “trick ankle”? How have you worked around this weakness?

Until tomorrow, may we be reliable, my friends.

Yet it will come about in that day that the remnant of Israel— those of the house of Jacob who escaped— will never again depend on the one who struck them down, but will depend upon ADONAI [the LORD], the Holy One of Israel, in truth. Isaiah 10:20, TLV

Depending on God—trusting in God—is the goal of all believers. Praying that we do a better job of that is a worthy endeavor. So, let’s do that, shall we? God bless you!