Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
--Proverbs 2:3, 5 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on September 3, 2013 of Proverbs 2:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13; Job 28-29.
Solomon opens the Book of Proverbs by establishing the goal we should all aspire to: "To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding." (Please see Proverbs 1:2.) He goes on to provide us with the first steps toward achieving that goal, along with a disclaimer: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7.) So it is important that we heed the instructions of our wise teacher Solomon, lest we be considered fools. Now wisdom can be defined as using knowledge, the things we know, in a practical and successful way. Instruction is training, being taught lessons, and can include discipline. For instance, we perhaps best learn to carefully handle extremely hot objects by being burned once. So Solomon says that while instruction imparts knowledge, the starting point of gaining this knowledge that allows wisdom is to fear the Lord, to revere God and submit to His will.
If we consider the proverbs in this book to be an instruction set on how to live a Godly life while here on earth and to be assured of a reward in the life to come, then today's focus verses form the first and primary instruction for each section of our guidebook to life: seek discernment into God's will. Solomon beseeches us to cry out, to lift our voice and ask for understanding. This isn't just some silent prayer, although it is indeed a request we need to make straight from the heart. This should be a good long talk with God, including times of purposeful stillness to listen for His response. To even begin to gain the knowledge we need to eventually achieve some level of wisdom in this life, we need to know what God would have us do with our life, and then do it. Ask God, give voice to that plea for seeing and understanding His will for us, and the Holy Spirit within us will help us communicate.
Job concurs with Solomon and offers the same advice, as he received it from God, in another part of today's Bible readings when he states, "And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.'" (Job 28:28.) Once we understand just how important it is for us to discern God's will for us and then to strive to fulfill it, resisting temptation and sin will be easier for us. Living God's will bears its own rewards. But first we need to find out what God has in mind for us, what He would have us do. The only way to find out is to ask. We should prepare ourselves in whatever manner works best for us, maybe in silence or with soft music playing in the background. Perhaps read some scripture or inspirational literature. We just need to put ourselves into a reverent spirit, a right and righteous frame of mind and heart, and then lift our voice to the Lord seeking His will. If we are sincere, and patient, and listen for His reply, He will answer. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we long to discern Your will, to understand what You would have us do. So we cry out to You for Your knowledge. Please instruct us in Your ways so that we might follow them. Help us, please Father, to always follow the example of Your Son Jesus, for He is the Way. In the glorious name of Jesus our Savior we pray. Amen.
If we consider the proverbs in this book to be an instruction set on how to live a Godly life while here on earth and to be assured of a reward in the life to come, then today's focus verses form the first and primary instruction for each section of our guidebook to life: seek discernment into God's will. Solomon beseeches us to cry out, to lift our voice and ask for understanding. This isn't just some silent prayer, although it is indeed a request we need to make straight from the heart. This should be a good long talk with God, including times of purposeful stillness to listen for His response. To even begin to gain the knowledge we need to eventually achieve some level of wisdom in this life, we need to know what God would have us do with our life, and then do it. Ask God, give voice to that plea for seeing and understanding His will for us, and the Holy Spirit within us will help us communicate.
Job concurs with Solomon and offers the same advice, as he received it from God, in another part of today's Bible readings when he states, "And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.'" (Job 28:28.) Once we understand just how important it is for us to discern God's will for us and then to strive to fulfill it, resisting temptation and sin will be easier for us. Living God's will bears its own rewards. But first we need to find out what God has in mind for us, what He would have us do. The only way to find out is to ask. We should prepare ourselves in whatever manner works best for us, maybe in silence or with soft music playing in the background. Perhaps read some scripture or inspirational literature. We just need to put ourselves into a reverent spirit, a right and righteous frame of mind and heart, and then lift our voice to the Lord seeking His will. If we are sincere, and patient, and listen for His reply, He will answer. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we long to discern Your will, to understand what You would have us do. So we cry out to You for Your knowledge. Please instruct us in Your ways so that we might follow them. Help us, please Father, to always follow the example of Your Son Jesus, for He is the Way. In the glorious name of Jesus our Savior we pray. Amen.
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