Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray. Go about your day or turn in for the night.
Read: Proverbs 1:20-33 Wisdom
Wisdom cries out in the street; in the square she raises her voice.
At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks.
…those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease;
without dread of disaster.
(Proverbs 1:20-21, 33, NRSV)
Once, when making cornbread from scratch, I had every ingredient the recipe called for except the ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. Thinking such an insignificant amount would make any real difference, I left it out. Sadly, a crisp golden brown hockey puck of cornbread emerged from the oven. Note to self: Baking powder helps cornbread to rise, creating its light and fluffy texture.
Wisdom (our ability to apply God’s truth to specific situations) is the baking powder for a life that rises to flourish abundantly. Look at all the places it shouts to us to take notice – in the streets and town centers, in the middle of traffic or the busiest social scenes, at our worktables and in our homes.
Because every detail of life is important to God, His Word and the Holy Spirit will cry out for us to employ His wisdom in every aspect of our being – physical and mental health, social relationships, emotional well-being, career pursuits, financial health, and spirituality – if we will only stop to ask for it and heed His voice.
Be still and Reflect: Where do you need to pause and seek God’s wisdom first before taking another step? In what busy corner of your life is His wisdom calling out to you? How might heeding it alter the way you go?
Pray: Lord God, who is my source of all wisdom, give me a discerning heart that seeks You first and an obedient spirit that acts according to Your ways and principles. Pour Your fresh wisdom upon me. Probe my heart and penetrate my thoughts that I might live the abundant life only You can give. I ask these things in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ who modeled the way for me, Amen.