Week 38/2024
A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver-Proverbs 25v11
Today we’ll consider some thoughts from the Book of Proverbs, chapter3 verse5 & 6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight”.
How do we submit to the Lord? By knowing and obeying His Word – there are no short cuts. It involves diligent, systematic and prayerful study under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are blessed to have a range of Godly study guides as well as gifted Bible teachers in our local church to help us. If we submit to the Lord’s Word, our Christian walk becomes morally and spiritually straight and we are saved from the consequences and heartache that can result in hurting those we love.
Later in the chapter in verse 11, we read: “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in”.
What is the Lord’s discipline? We shouldn’t make the mistake by thinking that God is this stern master or boss delighting in administering harsh punishment. Sometimes it is hard discipline when the Bible reveals our ungodliness and convicts us of our sin (or even just missing the mark). Sadly, sometimes we resent our motives and actions being revealed and instead of being teachable and prepared to repent, we try to twist God’s Word to justify our sin.
It is reassuring that the Lord always loves us or he wouldn’t bother disciplining us, and just like earthly fathers who after disciplining their child, seek restored relationship so it is with God – as we read in 1 John 1v9: “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.
May this be your experience.
From the former writings of Graeme Greenwood