Thoughts from JEM

Good morning,

This morning I found myself rereading Proverbs and I wanted to share some thoughts with you. Proverbs is probably one of my favorite books in the Old Testament because it provides so much insight and is also the most comforting book for me to read. Whenever I feel the waves start crashing upon me, it is the first book I turn to. The world teaches us to value you everything that it has to offer and the teachings from Proverbs speaks truth to my soul and helps me to stop hungering for the things of this world. While this season is typically where everyone finds their new sense of thankfulness, the book of Proverbs helps me to look at thankfulness in a different light. Thankfulness is what defines what we hold valuable to us and I believe that the first few chapters of Proverbs speak of the value of wisdom, which is definitely something so under valued today. Proverbs 2:6-10 says:

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice wand watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand the righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul…”

My generation is always told to focus on ourselves and to keep up with the latest and greatest news. It is easy to find oneself valuing things above the Lord and we know that this is not what we are called to. We are called to always be thankful for the blessings that the Lord gives us. However, I feel like wisdom is one of the most undervalued gifts that God has given us. So many times we look to the world for advice and the last resort tends to be the Bible. I know that does not speak for everyone, but I know that it is a struggle we have all faced from time to time. We value everyone else’s opinion and at times we put God on the back burner. While seeking godly counsel is not wrong, it is not  meant to be the main go to. The spiritual leaders in our lives are placed in our lives on purpose, but not to take the place of God. The book of Proverbs encourages making wise decisions and to seek the wisdom of the Lord. As a young woman in my early 20′s, I’m constantly being exposed to making adult decisions. I’m faced with questions of what my plans are for my life and what I want to do as far as a career. At times these questions overwhelm me, but I am reminded by the teachings of Proverbs to  seek wisdom from the Lord. – Proverbs 3:1-6 says: 

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments for the length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; Bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with al your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” 

Trusting in the Lord sounds like the most “churchy” statement, but it is honestly a hard task. Most people get turned off by hearing that they have to be patient and trust God, because we live in a world where everything has to have immediate results.  Proverbs 3:3 encourages us to bind the steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord around our neck and write them on the tablet of our heart. I find this verse so encouraging because it helps me to take comfort in the blessing that the Lord has so graciously bestowed upon me. I may not know where God will lead me, but his love and faithfulness are engraved on my heart. My story is still being written and it is easy for me to want to skip to the end. I’ve been a christian for over 10 years and I am constantly reminded to live each day with the God given purpose of loving Him and loving people. Everyday is another page in my story and we are all encouraged to put our desires aside and pursue the Lord. The journey is not always easy and it is not meant to be. The ups and downs in life are meant to help us grow in Him. The goal is to seek God in everything and to constantly live life for Him. The word of God is so powerful and by reading the best news I could ever come across, my soul is already desiring more. We are meant to continually grow and not just focus on ourselves. Our walk with the Lord is not defined by how many bible studies we do or how many times we go to church a week we go, but it is defined by the fruits that come from those times we are investing time with the Lord and seeking His wisdom. One of my favorite parts of following God is that He is never changing but he constantly changes my heart. I was not born into Christianity and it was not something I earned or even deserved. My God is so forgiving and is constantly helping me go through life. For my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I encourage you to keep pursuing the Lord and never forget how truly loved you are. May you also value the wisdom of the Lord and continually grow in your walk with the Lord. Over the course of this month I encourage you to also read the book of Proverbs and share what God puts on your heart. 

God bless,