As we continue in Proverbs, you may have noted that in these first chapters there is a pattern. Solomon is speaking to his sons in a pattern particularly he gives an exhortation followed by a promise as to its benefit. He returns and repeats the importance of God’s wisdom and in having a discerning heart. It is a heartfelt pleading that they might listen and write these words upon their heart so they will not stray from God.
A Father’s love for his child so desires that his child not have to learn life’s lessons through trials and errors. He wants to guide them, teach them and protect them from having to suffer the consequences of making foolish decisions. God, our heavenly Father, also pleads with us to hold his hand and heed His counsel. He so wants to protect us from our own folly.
So let us continue to move forward through Proverbs.
Exhortation–Proverbs 3: ‘5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,” Do you trust God with your life? What about when everything appears to be spiraling down around you? Do you trust God when you are in the midst of tragic illness? Do you trust God with your job? Do you trust Him to guide you with your finances? Do you trust Him with your heart when life seems to be crushing it? Do you trust
Him to be your light when the darkness of despair or loneliness seems to be engulfing you? Or do you try to figure it out by your own understanding of the circumstances? Do you acknowledge Him by asking Him to be a part of every decision? Do you trust Him enough to tell Him everything that you feel, even your fears? Do you trust Him enough to tell Him even your darkest thoughts? Or do you feel that you need to hide them from Him (as though you could)? Bring it all to Him, trust Him with your every decision, and come to His throne of grace. Bowing before Him, pray—tell Him all of it. Promise: “and He shall direct thy paths”. (Proverbs 3:6) Omnipotent, omniscient God has promised to direct your paths through every step of the way on this journey. Who else could know which path is the best?
Exhortation—Proverbs 3: “7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” Have you ever tried to say or reason yourself that surely this or that thing is not a sin; even when God says it is? Have you ever gone on down some path because by all reasoning it appeared the right path; despite that nagging whispering voice in your heart saying don’t go there? Have you tried to rationalize your anger, your critical spirit, or your pride? Stop making excuses, reverently turn toward God who is willing to forgive your sin, turn from it and follow after God’s command. Promise: “8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” In the same manner that a baby receives nourishment in the womb through the umbilical cord (navel); so also, our spirit receives nourishment through our utter dependence upon God’s word. When we determine to rely on our own reasoning by rationalizing our sin, our spiritual health suffers because we are not allowing the healthy nourishing Holy Spirit’s work to flourish in us. Hence we become spiritually ill, unhappy, and miserable. So the promise is when we follow after God, crucifying our desire to sin; we are spiritually fed with the result being a healthy, joy filled spirit. When the marrow of the bone becomes dry, the bones break easily; because they lose their strength. Our spiritual health and strength are dependent upon our relying completely upon God’s wisdom and not our own.
Exhortation: Proverbs 3: “9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:” We are to honor God with our money, our time and our strength. Do you tithe God a minimum of 10% of your money? What about your time? At work, do you do your job with all the diligence as though you are working for God? Do you honor God with all your substance by not wasting time, money, resources or your life on ungodly things? Ah, so I am calling for more than just saying “I will tithe my 10%, so I can do whatever I want with the rest.” This is a matter of the heart. Do you see God as your greatest treasure? Promise: “So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” If God is first, He will provide all that you need. Your hearts will abound with abundance, joy, and hope. Wealth is not always things or money. Wealth is an abundant life with God and all the riches of the heart that He provides. I consider myself very wealthy when I look at all that God has provided. My greatest blessing of all is the grand opportunity to see God’s wondrous grace, love and work in my children. As I watch them live out their lives—I am overwhelmed with joy. They display honor, truth and wisdom well beyond anything I could have taught them. I must take a deep sigh and say, “Thank you, God for teaching them, guiding them, protecting them and endowing them with Your wisdom, the wisdom of the Great, Almighty God.”
What an incredible God we have to provide us with so much wisdom and truth. He wants to guide our every step and teach us so that we might be protected from all that is around us. This walk through Proverbs, I am beginning to realize will take us a while to complete. Yet, I do believe that it will be worth our journey. God’s love is so overwhelming and He desires to guide each and every step of your journey. As a loving Father, He wants to solve every problem, heal each wounded heart, and give you His Joy.
Sing along to: “He Will Carry You” and rely on Him to carry you through whatever you are facing today.
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”