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| Photo courtesy of Duncan |
Review
This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.
Theme
It's in chapter 3 that specifies what the benefits are of learning from, and living out, what Solomon is compiling for us readers. Six things really catch my eye in this chapter, and each of these topics are something that I believe we are all looking for in life. They are -
- A long and satisfying life (vs. 2)
- His guidance and direction (vs. 6)
- Strong mental and physical health (vs. 8)
- A blessed, prosperous life (vs. 10)
- Safety (vs. 23)
- A peaceful life (vs. 24-26)
I would dare say that just about every worry, fear and night of lost sleep is directly related to one of these 6 topics. For me personally, each of these things are appealing, however, in order to receive these blessings, I must each give up something that I normally hold close to my heart - control. I bet several of us struggle with that. So many times, we try to find or create perfection on our own. The problem is that without giving the Father complete control, we tend to just make a mess of the situation. The result is usually less than satisfactory. Was it adequate? Possibly. Does it compare to what is in store for us when we allow God to guide us and live out HIS plans for our lives? Absolutely not.
If you want to gain the world, let go of everything that blocks Him out.
Key Verse For Me
Proverbs 3:26 - For the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Quote
"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." - C. S. Lewis
Related Scriptures
Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
I Peter 5:7 - Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, may I contstantly give You control, wait on your guidance, and listen to Your advice. Help me continue to die to myself to gain the life You have for me.
Verses 5&6- These are probably my favorites of the whole Bible. It is not easy to give up our own ambitions because it makes us feel weak. If we will humble ourselves to Him and trust Him with all our heart, He is faithful to make us stronger, not weaker. Seeking God's will above ours is the key to being on the right path. All other paths lead to failure.
ReplyDeletekindness and truth should never NOT go together
ReplyDeletealso kindness and truth >>> faith working through love Gal. 5:6
Amen Rodney - they are powerful verses indeed. His dreams for us are larger than we can begin to imagine.
ReplyDeleteAnd Nancy - couldn't agree with you more. Doesn't kindness flow from the truth food in Christ alone? Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteProverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." How many people have ever said, "I've got the weight of the world on my shoulders, or my burdens are so heavy." I don't know which way to turn or what to do". There are those that would "try" and figure it out themselves or cry on someone else's shoulder. Decisions. Decisions. How long would it take to resolve these burdens when one's thought processes don't contain the wisdom to do so? I consider it leaning on your own understanding. One could be on the merry go round for days or months without making the right decision. Would one want to wait that long? There's a simple remedy. Believe God's word is the TRUTH and the only TRUTH. He can set you free from your burdens. "In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." There is no better guidance.
ReplyDeleteI so whole heartily agree Marilyn. In chapter four's summary, one of my conclusions is life gets easier when you have a plan and are working toward that goal vs. floating around like a gentle, summer breeze. In using His plan for our lives, distractions no longer matter when we are focused on Him. Thanks for sharing Marilyn!
ReplyDelete