Read
32 Pay attention, my children!
Follow my advice,
and you will be happy.
33Listen carefully
to my instructions,
and you will be wise.
34Come to my home each day
and listen to me.
You will find happiness.
35By finding me, you find life,
and the Lord will be pleased
with you.
36But if you don't find me,
you hurt only yourself,
and if you hate me,
you are in love with death.
Reflect
Years ago my husband learned to wind surf. The instructor spoke for twenty minutes. Most of the people that surrounded the instructor had no patience to listen. They wanted to get out there and just do it. My husband is the patient sort. He listened, then went out and sailed like an expert. I watched as the others fell constantly off their boards into the lake. I am reminded of wisdom and its daily call to us to instruct us in all aspects of our lives.
God calls us each to listen intently to wisdom and obey it. Listening and paying attention to another’s voice are not things that come easily to us. They demand humility: a deep acknowledgement that if we are left to ourselves our own insights are inadequate. The fact is that there is a deep poverty in our inner selves – and those who acknowledge it are on their way to receive God’s wisdom (Matt. 5:3).
Actually receiving God’s wisdom is something we ought to be confident of. He will reveal his wisdom to those who seek it. He is eager to impart what is needed for our lives each day. He is not stingy with it nor does he play hard-to-get with those who hunger for it.
Sadly, the consequence of not seeking wisdom is severe. Its absence brings harm to our relationships and choices that lead ultimately to death.
Every new day, we have a fresh opportunity to seek God or choose our own way. If we realize our inner poverty in solutions without God, we will race to him, eagerly read His word and seek his advice with a view to obedience. God’s Holy Spirit dwells in his children, speaking and leading, if we his children will but listen and obey.
Respond
Heavenly Father, you are the source of all wisdom and graciously impart it to those seek it. I acknowledge my lack, my need. Fill me with your wisdom. Guide me as I navigate the situations I am faced with today and decisions I must make. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Donna Dyck
Donna and her husband Bill are parents of 4 adult children and have 9 grandchildren. They have been pastoring at Toronto Alliance church for 28 years. Donna has written 2 books, Confessions of a Not So Average Girl and Confessions of an Unlikely Pastors wife. She has spoken at many conferences, seminars, and events over the years. She and her husband have just written a Devotional called Hope for an Unwanted Journey which will be published soon and is for parents, especially those who are walking through the valley of addiction or mental illness with their loved ones.