Seek Him First

I LOVE the book of Proverbs. I think for about three years I read through the Proverbs every day, reading Proverbs 1 on the first day of the month and then 2 on the second, and so on. They always seemed to be just full of great principles, no rhym or reason, just a bunch of awesome principles for living. Which in reality they are principles, and they are great, but they are not without rhym or reason. It wasn't until I listened to .... and realized there is absolute organization behind the writing of Proverbs. It was an amazing journey. I say journey because I think it took me about a year to finish it...but worth every morning I spent in it!

In Proverbs 3, this morning, I was reminded of the importance of asking for, looking to, and gaining wisdom from the Lord. In the beginning of the chapter, the father is speaking to his son, telling him to really listen and keep (don't forget and utilize) the wisdom that the father is giving and instructing to his son. He tells him

"My son, dont' forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands;

for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being.

Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.

Tie them around your neck; writem them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;

think about Him in all your ways and He will guard you on the right paths.

Don't consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

This will be healing to your body and strengthening for your bones...

Do not despise the Lord's instruction, my son,

and do not loathe His discipline;

for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, just as a father, the sone he delights in" (3:1-8,11-12).

The next set of verses teach about the benefits of having wisdom, but if we skip to 21b watch what it says, once again...

"My son, don't lose sight of them (competence and discretion...wisdom).

They will be life for you and adornment for you neck.

Then you will go sefely on your way;

your foot will not stuble.

When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

you will like down, and your sleep will be pleasant.

Don't fear sudden danger or the ruin of the wicked when it comes,

for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from a snare" (3:21b-26).

We could actually go further to many more chapters where gaining wisdom through the fear of the Lord is the theme. Foundationally this concept goes even back to the very first chapter,

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. Listen my son to your father's instruction, and don't reject your mother's teaching; for they will be a garland of grace on your head and a gold chain around your neck" (1:7-9).

The take-away from all of this? I was thinking about what my normal response to problems during the day. Do I ask the Lord for wisdom? Do I seek Him? Do I look to Him first? If I am really honest with myself, many times I am looking for "wisdom" that suites my agenda. But is that really wisdom? I don't think so. Wisdom is truth, is fact. It's like when you are writing a scholarly research paper. You shouldn't come up with a premise and then research to find proof that your premise is correct... it is possible many times to do just that. No, you research and look to find the truth in the research, and change your premise as truth in research dictates. Most scholars would agree with that statement, however, when it comes to our own lives, we want God to "work it out" so that we can have our agenda, our desires, our idea of what is good and right, backed by Him. He doesn't work that way though. He tells us that he has a plan for us:

Jeremiah 29:11

For I konw the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 (too long to type). This passage says there is a time and season for everything, but He has designed it this way and He knows it very well.

Proverbs 16:9

The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

He has a plan, He knows what is best for you and for me. What my problem is, is I generally have it all planned out and think I know what is best, and when it doesn't work out like I think it should, then I think that God is not active, or doesn't care, or is "punishing me". Those thoughts are completely selfish and wrong. God is the oppositie of those. He does care, He is active, and He is disciplining us in order for Him to protect and provide for us.

The problem that needs to be solved in my life is my first source of instruction, wisdom, and direction needs to be sought on my knees. Not in a self-help book, and not from a friend or family member (no matter how wonderful and godly). Those are not bad, but the very first request for wisdom and guidance MUST come from Him.

Isaiah 40:31

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 55:22

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allowthe righteous to be shaken.

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