Proverbs – Be Still…

Proverbs 3:5-6 – When You Don’t Understand

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

Can you think of a time when you were perplexed by something that was happening around you? God knew we wouldn’t understand everything we encounter in this world. That’s part of what makes discovery and adventure so much fun. We can marvel at God’s handiwork, we can seek out answers, and then we overflow with gratitude when those lightbulbs turn on. Our understanding of the complexities of God’s plan will always be limited.

Context (Proverbs 3): In the book of Proverbs, the nuggets of wisdom often stand alone. In this case, Solomon focuses his lessons on trusting God and what wisdom looks like. The fact those two themes appear in the same chapter are no accident. But as for context with a proverb, it’s good to remember the author was King Solomon whom God had granted great wisdom. Continue reading “Proverbs 3:5-6 – When You Don’t Understand”

Isaiah 26:3-4 – Trusting God

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.”(Isaiah 26:3-4)

Perfect peace sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? We can know that peace when we trust in God. Shalom, shalom is what they say on “The Chosen” television series as a greeting to each other. In one episode, they explained it to a non-Jew as signifying perfect peace. What a beautiful way to greet someone, don’t you think?

Context: The section of Isaiah 26 that sings praise to the LORD. “In that day” everyone will sing praise to the LORD. What a beautiful picture that is for us to imagine the whole world recognizing God for the Mighty One he is. These verses are plucked out of the magnificent imagery that Isaiah uses to paint the picture of when we who trust God will finally know perfect peace. Continue reading “Isaiah 26:3-4 – Trusting God”

Proverbs 31:10-31 – Is it Super Woman or Wonder Woman?

Read Proverbs 31:10-31

I have always loved this passage. It empowers women, yet we can feel treasured all at the same time. I remember the first time I read it. I wasn’t feeling particularly glamorous or smart. My energy was low, and I doubted every move I made. I was recovering from a broken marriage, and the scars of abuse were still raging red. I felt as if God’s message here was for just for me. It was encouraging. It was a healing moment. Could I ever be that woman?

I hope you haven’t gone through something horrific like that, and whether you are a woman or man, these verses should speak to you. There is such beauty in the images that come to mind. The style of writing and depth of meaning seem totally out of character with what we have been reading in the rest of the book of Proverbs. Yet this is wisdom, pure gold. That much is the same. How are you relating to yourself or to the women in your life?

Proverbs 31:1-9 – Speak Up!

Read Proverbs 31:1-9

This is good advice from a loving mother to her son, the king. She wants for him to succeed, and her message is meant to help him. Even though we’re not kings, we can glean some wisdom from this as well. Verse 8 spoke to my core, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” There are so many less fortunate people in this world, but my thoughts also go to the children whose voice is often muffled and overlooked.

We shouldn’t just focus on serving the rich and successful. Everyone deserves justice. God’s mercy is extended to all. Why do we think we should handle things differently? Think about this — who is depending on you?

Proverbs 30:20-33 – Small Yet Mighty & Wise

Read Proverbs 30:20-33

It would be easy to have the misconception that to be wise we need to be big and powerful. Solomon was king after all. God granted him all kinds of wisdom to share. But today’s verses 24-25 remind us we can learn a lot from the smallest of God’s creations. “There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.” The reading goes on to also list Hyraxes (like a robust guinea pig), Locusts, and Lizards. Great examples, but I’m going to focus in on the ants because I have some personal experience with those.

This list is comprised of what some would consider pests. How often have we tried to get rid of them, be disgusted by them, or maybe even feared them? When we really study these creatures, we are humbled. God made these small little beasts with built in wisdom that can really surprise us. If God can give them such wisdom, think what he has done for us?