I have an aunt that adds a tag line to her stories and comments about life, "You know that don't you?" The emphasis is always on the word don't, and she runs the words don't and you together so it sounds like, "You know that, dontcha?" Most of the time I don't know whatever she's talking about, but her tone is so forceful, I find myself nodding anyway.
Nobody likes a know it all, not even a know it all! Which leads me to ask this question. Are you a know it all? How can you find out if you're a know it all? Well, I've created a list of questions that I think will help you discover the answer. She thinks she knows everything! Have you ever said this statement? Has anyone ever said this about you? Do you share your opinion each time someone shares theirs? Do you offer unsolicited advice? Do you always have to have the last word? Do you feel the need to appear like you have the answer even when you don't? Even if you only answered yes to one question, there's always room for improvement. You know that dontcha?
At times I believe all of us get a little beside ourselves and think we know the answers to life's situations when we really don't know. Sometimes we're even quick to offer advice to others on serious matters without praying or consulting the Holy Spirit. This should not be. There is a place that we can go to discover the truths to which we are longing to understand during times of anger, disappointment, fear, death, despair, loneliness, confusion. doubt, and many other feelings. The Bible is where we can find God's answers to all of our questions. " For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will my word be which goes forth from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.…" (Isaiah 55:10-11) NIV
Spend time reading, seeking, praying God's Word, and listening. These four habits always bring enlightenment to our circumstances in due time. Another useful tool is a book by Stormie Omartian entitled, The Prayer That Changes Everything, The Hidden Power of Praising God.