Walk Through the Book of Proverbs... Day 2

Walk Through Proverbs… Day 2

August 30, 2009

I’m feeling a little down today, and I really need you, Lord. I don’t want to allow my hurt feelings and confusions, or my hopes and desires, to turn themselves on me… become judgment, wrath, and utter despair. I want to be positive, and I want to know and believe that all is well – or will soon be. I do not wish to embrace or keep company with pessimism, doubt, or hopelessness. I do not see any “life” in such things.

Lord, I wish to turn away from any behavior, thought pattern, or path which will lead to destruction (mild or severe). I want just the opposite. I want to create good and positive results with my behaviors (actions), thoughts, and the direction in which I go. I know I am not, right now, able to stand on my own and be successful in this endeavor. I am so grateful that I do not have to.

When I may feel I travel by my lonesome and have things and feelings to express, and no one present in order for me to share my thoughts… I can recall your scripture, “…behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age” (Matthew 28:20). You are always with me. I don’t walk alone.
When I don’t know what to think or how to act, your word guides me toward a wise path. Lord, please direct me in your way. I need you.

As I read today in Proverbs, I found two passages to which I took particular notice. I began by re-reading yesterday’s chapter, and was caught by these words:

Proverbs 1:20-23 (Amplified Bible) – from BibleGateway.com

20[a]Wisdom cries aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the markets;
21She cries at the head of the noisy intersections [in the chief gathering places]; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
22How long, O simple ones [open to evil], will you love being simple? And the scoffers delight in scoffing and [self-confident] fools hate knowledge?
23If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you.

Footnotes:
a. Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom here is personified. Read "the Wisdom of God" instead of "Wisdom" and see the wonderful power of this book.

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How powerful! Especially when you consider the footnote.

The other passage that caught my eye was in chapter 2. Truly, it was the entire second chapter which spoke to me. I will highlight the first 12 verses:

Proverbs 2:1-12 (Amplified Bible) - from BibleGateway.com

Proverbs 2

1MY SON, if you will receive my words and treasure up my commandments within you,
2Making your ear attentive to skillful and godly [a]Wisdom and inclining and directing your heart and mind to understanding [applying all your powers to the quest for it];
3Yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,
4If you seek [Wisdom] as for silver and search for skillful and godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures,
5Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God.
6For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity,
8That He may guard the paths of justice; yes, He preserves the way of His saints.
9Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and fair dealing [in every area and relation]; yes, you will understand every good path.
10For skillful and godly Wisdom shall enter into your heart, and knowledge shall be pleasant to you.
11Discretion shall watch over you, understanding shall keep you,
12To deliver you from the way of evil and the evil men, from men who speak perverse things and are liars,

Footnotes:
a. Proverbs 2:2 See footnote on Prov. 1:20.

So, recalling that we battle not against flesh and blood, I can apply this info, seeing that I need to be defending myself and arming myself with the Wisdom of God – not for use against anything natural, any person, or myself. It’s the spiritual… the forces which present themselves, throwing down the gauntlet, challenging me to stand and be counted. I’m not playing games, and it’s not about you, me, him, her, or them. This is about life. And as my daughter’s favorite character on “Wonder Pets” would say, “This is serious!”

Really though, I do want to thank you, Lord, for your continued guidance and revelations. Everything will be cool. It is, it always was, and always will be. Because You are the same… yesterday, today, and forever. Thank you for that. In Jesus name, Amen.