Proverbs 3:1-12 Seeking Him

I have recently fallen in love with the Message translation of the Bible.  Like really in love...  I've been a King James or NIV girl, but I needed renewed eyes and a renewed fire, and the Message translation delivered. 

Here we are on the first day of the new year and let's be transparent.  We all have things that we are believing God for.  We all want a heavenly hook-up (I think I stole that metaphor from my pastor).  But are we really doing what we are commanded to do?  I know I'm not.  So this morning I thought, "let me start this year right! Order my steps.  Seek ye first."  And that took me to Proverbs 3:1-12. 

^1-2 Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
    take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
    a long life lived full and well.

^3-4 Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
    Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
    in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.

^5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this.

"Father, thank You for a new year to get it right.  Thank You for a new day to trust You.  Father, can You shout at me for a while?  I know that is a strange request but can You shout at me so I can be sure to not only hear Your voice but also follow Your word.  I don't want to do this year the same way.  I like to fix my problems on my own and not bother You.  But I know that You are not bothered by my pleas for help.  You find favor with those that trust You.  So shout at me so that I can remember to trust You and follow You.  I know You have things for me beyond what I can imagine.  Thank You in advance for being wonderful and holy.  In Jesus' name, Amen.  Amen."