trust – Page 8 – Be Still…

Proverbs 29:15-27 – In God We Trust

If you’re an American, this phrase is even on your money. “In God We Trust.” The verse of the day is verse 26 which reads: “Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice comes from the Lord.” It’s not a bad thing to seek favor from the ruler, whether it be the sheriff, the governor, or even the president. It’s okay to want to be an upstanding citizen and not break any rules.

Yet, not many of us have an audience, much less a friendship, but those folks. For me personally, I do know one of the presidential candidates for the upcoming Presidential election in the United States. But, even if he were in the White House, I’m not certain I would be able to present my case before him. There would be a lot of hoops to jump through and red tape to navigate. Those officials or “rulers” might be able to help, but I am sure that God’s help will be perfect and timely. God knows exactly what I need before I even ask.

Proverbs 25:1-14 – Keep Your Word

Read Proverbs 25:1-14

Disappointment. Nobody likes to be disappointed. If you can avoid it, never disappoint someone else. Today’s verse (14) says, “A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.” For a bit of context, think of how dry it is in Israel. Yet there are farmers and people who live off the land. Imagine the joy when a cloud appears in the sky. A cloud dark in appearance would seem to promise rain. Imagine the let down when it passes over without a drop of rain having fallen. The frustration is great.

I think we have all experienced disappointment in our life at one time or another. We have relied on someone’s word, and they let us down. I am taking the “gift” in this verse to mean any act of service or promise that is made to benefit someone else. If I say I’ll arrive tomorrow to take you to the store, I need to keep my word and show up at the appropriate time. If I don’t, you will not only be upset you will not get the items you needed at the store.

Proverbs 22:1-16 – Is Being Lazy Okay?

Read Proverbs 22:1-16

Today I would love a rainy day with no plans so I could just curl up with a good book and spend the day watching Netflix. Does that mean I want a “lazy” day? Absolutely. But I certainly wouldn’t want to do it every day. I have a lot of drive and ambition cursing through my veins which makes it hard to just sit still for very long. I’m sure if I had the “perfect” lazy day, I would soon be up doing something useful.

Today’s verse is “The lazy person claims, ‘There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!’” I had to write about this one because it just made me giggle. I’m not sure only a lazy person would fear a lion in the yard, but what might someone with motivation for success (opposite of a lazy bum) have said? Something like – “There’s a lion out there, where’s my gun” or “How do I divert the lion’s attention so I can go where I want to go?” The lazy person is trapped. The motivated person has options.

Proverbs 20:21-30 – Revenge is Not the Answer

Read Proverbs 20:21-30

Have you ever been wronged by someone? I think all of us have at some point in life. It never feels good to be hurt by a friend or even a stranger. What happens next will define us. Do we rush to get even? Or, do we only dream of sweet revenge? How do you react when you are the target of slander and lies?

For me, I always want to set the record straight. I’m so afraid of what people think of me. Yet Solomon’s wise counsel is this, “Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.” Are you kidding me? How can I do that? We might think we look weak if we don’t fight back. But on the contrary, we are much stronger when we are able to bite our tongue and just take the lashing, trust that God has our backs.

Proverbs 14:11-20 – How Gullible Are You?

Read Proverbs 14:11-20

Have you ever heard that skepticism is a virtue? Well, at least Solomon thought it was something to point out. In verse 15, it says, “Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.” Simpleton is this translation’s way of calling out the simple-minded, those who don’t think a lot about what they are doing.

In the day and age we are living in, we are constantly bombarded with messages. Whether it’s on social media, the news, or the gossip at the coffee shop, there is an information overload exploding around us. How do you decide what is “good” news and what is “fake” news? How do you discern?