Recap:
So far on our journey, we have learned the following things:Day 1 - If we pay attention to the Holy Spirit, we will be wise.
Day 2 - God fights for us, because we have been made righteous through Christ.
Day 3 - When God fills us with the Holy Spirit, He gives us access to all wisdom.
Day 4 - The cost of wisdom is the same as the cost of salvation: Everything we have.
Day 5 - Part of the cost of wisdom is laying down ungodly relationships and behaviors that hinder us from being who God made us to be.
Scripture
"My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you." --Proverbs 6:20-22
Observe
I LOVE these verses!In them, Solomon is telling his children to pay attention to the wisdom from their parents, because the things they are taught will guide them, protect them, and give them counsel through all of life's situations.
This passage reminds me of three things:
- God's Omnipresence
- God's Timing
- God's Word
God's Omnipresence
Omnipresence is a word meaning everywhere, all the time.
Just like Solomon tells his children that his teachings will accompany them wherever they go, God is with us wherever we are.
In fact, Solomon's dad, David, wrote about that in Psalm 139:
"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me.... I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!" --Psalm 139:1-7
God's Timing
Just like Solomon's wisdom would guide, guard, and teach his children, God interacts with us in real time to provide us with guidance, protection, and wisdom for us and others.
In the New Testament, God affirms that He will give us direction and wisdom--exactly when we need it:
"'But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to
say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.'" --Matthew 10:19-20
God's Word
It is always good to know that God never leaves us--no matter where we go--but we don't always feel like He's there. Likewise, it's good to know that God's timing is perfect for every situation, but in the middle of some situations, we can feel absolutely desperate for God to show up.
So, how do we stand in times like these?
In the Old Testament, we read about how Moses led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and into the desert. They were headed to the Promised Land, but due the hearts of the people, most of them never saw it--including Moses.
Before he died, Moses passed the responsibility of leading God's people to Joshua.
Joshua needed to experience the omnipresence of God. He needed God to be with him everywhere he went; He needed to experience the direction of God; and He needed the words of God to lead the people of God.
In Joshua's most desperate moment, God himself showed up and gave Joshua everything he needed:
"'Study
this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so
you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you
prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.'" --Joshua 1:8
One of the greatest ways we get to experience God's omnipresence and timing is through His Word.
Apply
Like it says in John 15:5, we can't do anything without God. We desperately need Him in our lives.
We live our lives in the presence of God by studying the Word of God.
Solomon taught his children that wisdom would be with them always if they would do two things: Bind wisdom to their hearts (memorize), and fasten them around their necks (reflect). In the same ways (through memorization and constant reflection) we can keep God's wisdom--His Word--with us.
You'll be amazed at how often God will use the very passages you study to reveal Himself to you--and to others, through you.
Pray
God, we thank you that you never leave us (Matthew 28:20). We thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit--who teaches us everything we need to know and reminds us of everything You have told us (John 14:26). We ask that as we study your Word, you would guide us, watch over us, and speak to us. Thank you that your word is alive (Hebrews 4:12). Like David said, let us hide your word in our hearts, so we will not sin against you (Psalm 119:11). Amen.
Your Turn!!!
What is God saying to you today? Respond below.
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