Author: astherainandsnow

“The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works,
    before his deeds of old;
I was formed long ages ago,
    at the very beginning, when the world came to be.
When there were no watery depths, I was given birth,
    when there were no springs overflowing with water;
before the mountains were settled in place,
    before the hills, I was given birth,
before he made the world or its fields
    or any of the dust of the earth.
I was there when he set the heavens in place,
    when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
when he established the clouds above
    and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
when he gave the sea its boundary
    so the waters would not overstep his command,
and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
    Then I was constantly at his side.
I was filled with delight day after day,
    rejoicing always in his presence,
rejoicing in his whole world
    and delighting in mankind.” Proverbs 8:22-31

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.  God saw that the light was good… God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:1-3,31

A dark dawn sky turning red fire. Birdsong in harmony, with splendid variations of octave, melody, rhythm, tone. Majestic stone snow-glazed slopes slicing heaven. Wide meadows scattered with bluebonnets. Sweet strawberries. Endless desert sands, cloud sheep, cool piney woods, fish-poked water circles, sun ball dipping into the sea’s horizon at day’s end. God the Creator imagined and made in perfect wisdom and delight, and it was very good. His work still delights, and we must praise.

“Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3

The creation we see and delight in is fallen, flawed by sin, groaning for restoration. As magnificent as its grandeur, we know in the beginning it was without decay or imperfection, and can only marvel before its Maker who still redeems. Behold how great and lovely is He!! How marvelous His deeds! (Romans 8:22-23)

“I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.

Your ways, God, are holy.
    What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles.” Psalm 77:12-14a

What is my response to this One who formed me, and in wisdom equipped me to enjoy His creation and know Him by grace?

“Sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things.” Psalm 98:1

He makes His ways and name known to bring abundant, joy-filled life. What is my song, and when do I approach him with singing? (John 10:10)

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4

How am I making His name, wisdom, and praise known?

“I know that the Lord is great,
    that our Lord is greater than all gods.” Psalm 135:5

When we fill our sights, affections, and thoughts with God Almighty, He imparts wisdom, love, and joy.

“On the glorious splendor of your majesty—
    and on your wonderful works I will meditate.” Psalm 145:5

To Him be all honor! Amen!

“To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all God’s people—  that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven… 

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,  being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,  and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.  For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,  in whom we have redemption.” Colossians 1:2-5,9-14

Paul is in tune with important things, and his letters direct their readers to what matters most. He’s interested in spiritual character and growth, and hinging present issues with eternal hope. He wastes no time on the mundane and material that isn’t connected with, or would detract from, their walk with the Lord. His deep relationship with Him prompts powerful prayer.

Paul begins with thanksgiving borne of interest and discovery of the work of Christ’s gospel. Planted in welcoming hearts, it has blossomed into faith, producing the fruit of hope and love. His desire is that they not stop growing but increase in the knowledge of God and passion to express His goodness and grace in their world and circumstances.

Often we base prayers on the urgencies of the moment: what we want or need NOW. Clipped by stress and blinded to the long view, we fail to grasp the deeper possibilities of God’s will for His people. How can we bear fruit in every good work if no real work is required? How do we learn patience and endurance if all is easy, healthy, and comfortable? Why would we desire to increase in knowledge if we already know everything?

If we begin prayer with thanksgiving for all we take time to hear and observe, how might God reshape what we pray? How would contemplation of eternal glory and spiritual rigor reorder our wanting, and asking? If we really love those for whom we pray, what does God care most about for them?

Studying and voicing prayers from Scripture helps prioritize a godly mindset. Setting prayer in a framework of who God the Father is and what He’s already done inspires the lens through which we see His will and the possibilities of how to arrive there. For those we love and serve, how might He reorient our thinking and approach? Our end goal? What would change in our prayers if we were more concerned for spiritual growth, God’s will done on earth, and eternal glory? (1 Chronicles 29:10-19; Matthew 6:7-13; Ephesians 3:14-21)

Hallowed Father, help me pray boldly and effectively, for Your will and glory.

“The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison. The jailer… put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

“About midnight [they] were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.  Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’

“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’

“They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer… and all his household were baptized… he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.” Acts 16:22-34

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.  As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.  And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Philippians 1:12-14

Paul knew prison. He also knew the gospel. Jesus was his life beat. His imprisonment was just another opportunity to spread the good news. Rather than rue his captivity, and fluster at their own weakness and difficulties, the Philippians could look at circumstances as opportunities to let God work and advance the gospel.

Situations where we’re hard-pressed, limited by discouragement or inability, captive to harsh authority or civil unrest, make for natural squirming. But as God’s children, we can know He plants us as light in dark places. There He makes Himself known and prepares us for further service. He encourages faith in others to support, pray, give, act boldly. He reforms our outlook to welcome God’s good instruments of sanctification. He loosens our grip on worldly things and creates longing for what’s eternal. Sometimes confinement is time and space to pray and write, to learn contentment. (Genesis 39:20-23; Ephesians 6:19-20; Philippians 1:9-11; 3:7-8,10,14,20-21; 4:11)

Where are we currently ‘in prison’? Suffocating in a difficult marriage or work situation? Pressured by complicated health issues, or challenging relationships? Are we pent up with bitterness, jealousy, or fear that’s paralyzing practical and spiritual progress?

What is God revealing about ourselves, or His intentions for us? How is He teaching us to love others better and trust Him more? For what new service might He be preparing us? Looking with hope to bring life to others often awakens it in ourselves.

Lord, may I use dark places and unwanted confinement You ordain to sow seeds of life and light, to Your praise.

“Jesus said to them, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.  And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him.”

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 8:28-30; 12:32

Throughout His public ministry, Jesus spoke of the time He would be lifted up, and the disciples could not comprehend what He meant. Many believed in some measure at that point, but it was not until after seeing Him lifted up on the cross, raised in resurrection, ascended in glory, that the Holy Spirit gave full understanding of the lifting and its implications. Yes, the lifting up of this Messiah was indeed the crux of their faith and reason and the wellspring of their joy. Life from here out would be exhausted for the purpose of lifting up His name unto the salvation of many and His ongoing praise. (Acts 1:4-5,8-9)

“Man of sorrows what a name
for the Son of God, who came
ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
in my place condemned he stood,
sealed my pardon with his blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
spotless Lamb of God was he,
full atonement-can it be?
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Lifted up was he to die;
‘It is finished’ was his cry;
now in heaven exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!” ~Philip P. Bliss (1875)

When we behold Christ lifted up on the cross, would we bow in gratitude, humble adoration, and worship of this great Savior? Gazing at Jesus ascending in the cloud, do we marvel at His power and authority? Seeing the Lord high and lifted up on His unshakable throne, would we repent, and rejoice? (Isaiah 6:1-8)

“Crown him the Lord of love;
behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above,
in beauty glorified;
no angels in the sky
can fully bear that sight,
but downward bends their burning eye
at mysteries so bright.

Crown him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those he came to save;
his glories now we sing
who died and rose on high,
who died eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.” ~Matthew Bridges (1851)

How will we lift high the name and fame of Jesus in song, word, and deed today?

“Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! 
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! 
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! 
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! 

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! 
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! 
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! 
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia! 

Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia! 
Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia! 
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia! 
Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia! 

King of glory, soul of bliss, Alleluia! 
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia! 
Thee to know, thy power to prove, Alleluia! 
Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Alleluia, amen!

“Come, let us return to the Lord;
for he has torn us, that he may heal us;
he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.
After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will raise us up,
that we may live before him.
Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;
his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:1-3

What is healing without the tear? What is comfort without sorrow? What is resurrection without death? What rich promises the Lord gives for those distant by brokenness and pain! Only the fainting can be revived, only the separated brought near, only the stricken restored.

So often we rue the calamities of life. It is true they present painful agonies that we abhor, and cause dissension we would not choose. Yet in God’s mysterious economy, we would never know the power of God without experiencing helplessness, or His provision without knowing lack. Would we understand His grace without the sting of sinning, or the mercies of the freedom without having been captive?

We shrink from the crucifixion Christ endured on our behalf, despising that we really are all that bad that such horror was required as penalty. We shirk the crucifixion He demands of us if we are to live out the new, exchanged life He gives. But only through divine tearing that opens our poisoned hearts, through true death to self, can we experience abundant, joy-filled life in Him. (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:1-10)

Do we have the eternal perspective to grasp the divine exchange He’s constantly working in our lives? It takes a deliberate fixing of our thoughts and desires on things above where the seated, victorious Christ reigns with perfect precision and purpose. He wants us to share the cross and fortify our faith, never to grow complacent in ease and soft in our thinking. Crucifixion was not safe, but it was infinitely good, marking the outpouring of wrath for atonement, punishment for salvation, separation for intimacy.

Where have we been torn by hurt from others, or sin’s consequences? What circumstances have struck us down to fatigue or despair? Would we today turn to know Him more than relief? (Philippians 3:10)

“Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed,
for I am your God and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
for I will be with you in trouble to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace all-sufficient shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!” ~John Rippon (1787)

Lord, keep me pressing on to know You in both painful renting and glorious revival, to Your praise.

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,  to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Galatians 1:3-5

“I lay down my life for the sheep… I lay down my life… of my own accord.” John 10:15,17-18

“Christ Jesus,.. though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

“Christ appeared as a high priest [and] entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption… Through the eternal Spirit [he] offered himself without blemish to God.” Hebrews 9:11-12,14

God sent His Son Jesus to earth, Jesus gave Himself for us. He gave His glory up for a season to take on flesh. He gave His time and attention as a man to know God and to present God to man. He gave His years training disciples in godliness to lead the church, and His hours teaching God’s holy word, and His moments investing in people to save them forever. He gave His heartbeat for the lost, His love to sinners, His life as full penalty for sins to deliver His children from the evils of our age and seal us forever.

“Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.” ~Elvina M. Hall (1865)

Once all Jesus gave is applied to our souls and determination, we are not the same. We no longer live to please the flesh, but desire to give our all for the Christ who saved us. We’re free to obey in the Spirit and live for righteousness, to think selflessly and behave generously, to love others as we’ve been loved. Do these describe our passion and practices? (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; 4:9; 5:1,13-14,16,22-25)

“When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

What do I willingly give of my time and resources for God’s honor and work? Where am I spending myself for the sake of the gospel? How willing am I to lay down my life for my brothers, my comfort for selfless service, my inclinations for preferring others? What am I giving of my prayers, efforts, material goods, attention, and care, for others in His name? What am I holding back that the Spirit is nudging me to release? How will I this day give myself anew for Him? (1 John 3:16)

My Lord, in gratitude for Your gifts of life laid down and life bestowed, may I give my all for the sake and glory of You alone.

“The law… can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?  But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

“Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,

‘Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
    but a body have you prepared for me;
in burnt offerings and sin offerings
    you have taken no pleasure.
I said, “I have come to do your will, O God,
    as it is written of me in the book.”‘

“When he said above, ‘You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings..,’ then he added, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will.’ He does away with the first in order to establish the second.  And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:1-10

It was the messy job of priests to keep the law: select the animal, inspect for blemishes, slay for blood. And repeat. Day in and out, morning and evening sacrifice. But when Jesus came, His perfect body became the final sacrifice, His perfect blood our final atonement. How beautiful the body of Christ! The divine, loving hands that tenderly touched the leper and strongly stayed the storm took the nails in crucifixion. (Mark 1:40-42; 4:35-39)

When we approach Jesus, where do we look? On His dusty, travel-toughened feet that carried Him to teach, celebrate, and console? His carpentry-rough hands that put mud on blind eyes, broke bread, and cooled the fevered brow? His arms that held children and served fish to amazed disciples? His mouth that spoke life-altering truth to everyone who would listen? His eyes that cared with mercy, lamented over Jerusalem, wept with Martha and Mary, looked with compassion on Peter, and loved His mother from the cross?

Let us behold, and love, the beautiful body broken for us!

How beautiful the hands that served
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

How beautiful the heart that bled
That took all my sin and bore it instead
How beautiful the tender eyes
That choose to forgive and never despise
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

How beautiful the radiant bride
Who waits for her groom with his light in her eyes
How beautiful when humble hearts give
The fruit of pure lives so that others may live
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

How beautiful the feet that bring
The sound of good news and the love of the King
How beautiful the hands that serve
The wine and the bread and the sons of the Earth
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ.” ~Twila Paris (1999)

Lord, make me willing to lay down my life for You who gave Yours.

“Also to his son Shemaiah were sons born who were rulers in their fathers’ houses, for they were men of great ability… able men qualified for the service… 

“These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their chief men, had duties,.. ministering in the house of the Lord…

“Of the Levites, Ahijah had charge of the treasuries of the house of God and of the dedicated gifts… 

“Chenaniah and his sons were appointed to external duties for Israel, as officers and judges. Of the Hebronites,.. 1,700 men of ability had the oversight of Israel westward of the Jordan for all the work of the Lord and for the service of the king… King David appointed 2,700 men of ability,.. to have the oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of the Manassites for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king…

“Over the king’s treasuries was Azmaveth..; over the treasuries in the country, cities, villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan..;  and over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri..;  and over the vineyards was Shimei..; and over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi… Over the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah was Baal-hanan..; and over the stores of oil was Joash. Over the herds [were] Shitrai [and] Shaphat… Over the camels was Obil..; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah… Over the flocks was Jaziz…  All these were stewards of King David’s property.

“Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel.. attended the king’s sons. Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.  Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada.., and Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king’s army.” 1 Chronicles 26:6,8,12,20,29-30,32; 27:25-34

A king whose heart is after God’s sees every industry and task as for Him. The Lord had so imbued David’s mind with a broad, eternal perspective that each assignment he gave for his affairs pertained to God. After all, he was God’s, his role God-given and anointed, his end God’s glory, so everything required for the running of his kingdom should bear his Sovereign’s imprint.

And his kingdom was vast, with many needs: Finance, organization, maintenance, leadership, agriculture, farming, animal husbandry, counsel, communication, military soldiers and commanders, confidantes. The Lord gave David discernment for each area and provided individuals with specific abilities and impeccable character to meet needs with excellence. Indeed, He rules His kingdom this way, gifting and utilizing His creatures to accomplish His purposes in the world and in us individually. His is an efficient and glorious economy.

How do we view our work? Is my career or ministry mine alone to determine, orchestrate, and build? Do I boast intellect and other gifts as my own to dole out my way? What would change if I saw every aspect of my job(s) as pertaining to God? Would I own a more cheerful attitude to housework, more careful stewardship of resources, a looser hold on rights, time schedules, and material goods?

Wasted time and resources offend the generosity of our Master. He will not tolerate laziness and apathy. He expects fruitfulness from the appropriation of His provision. (Luke 12:48; 13:6-9; John 15:16)

Lord, help me diligently go about my assignments, keeping You central to produce much and make the most for Your glorious sake.

“He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,  to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,  until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,  so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,  from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love…

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor…  Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,  and give no opportunity to the devil… Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear… Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you…  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking,.. but instead let there be thanksgiving… for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord… The fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true…

“Be filled with the Spirit,  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-16,25-27,29,31-32; 5:1-2,4,8-10,18b-20

Paul is a man of many words, but important, well-thought-through and carefully-chosen ones. From prison with time to process, he’s concerned for the Ephesian church, and writes specific truth for their protection and edification. His is no extraneous ministry.

While truth-telling is an important mark of a Christian, it should be issued with certain parameters and ends. We’re not to spout off irrelevant babble, nor talk to tear down, nor gossip by confessing others’ sins behind their back, nor boast. Our words spoken are to upbuild, promote growth and unity in Christ, foster friendship and solve problems, and extend and encourage grace.

How committed am I to speaking truth? Are there topics and personal areas where I tend to skimp on truth or exaggerate facts? When I do speak truth, is it pinched with pride, jealousy, or anger, or delivered with grace and love? Am I careful to check motive before speaking: to puff up self, or build up another? To pontificate on my opinion and vast knowledge, or to promote someone else’s gifts and maturity? How will I today voice God’s truth to enhance conversation and encourage discovery, refinement, and growth?

Lord, may I speak only words of truth that build up others and bless Your name.

“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 all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
    and refreshment to your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty,
    and your vats will be bursting with wine.

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
    or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
    as a father the son in whom he delights.

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
    and the one who gets understanding,
for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
    and her profit better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
    and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
    those who hold her fast are called blessed.

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;
    by understanding he established the heavens;
by his knowledge the deeps broke open,
    and the clouds drop down the dew.” Proverbs 3:3-20

Solomon knew well the value and joys of wisdom, as well as the sorrows when it was ignored or overshadowed. His words to his son enumerated reminders when weighing choices and the rewards of making wise ones. Crooked paths, evil, greed, and discounting God’s reproof would not yield the order, gain, understanding, peace, and overall blessedness that wisdom would. Choose God’s ways for fullness and pleasantness of life!

There is much in every corner of the world that can bring consternation, stress, and sadness. Cities are rife with risk and streets are in ruin. Tribal violence escalates, divisions widen, dreams fade, and hopes decay. In any consideration and conflict, there is the heavy, the wrong, the ominous, the down side. Closer to home, relationships can be fraught with dissension or bitterness, work and responsibilities with hard toil, pressure, and confusion.

But wisdom displays her wares in all these places. She pursues us in every conundrum and temptation that we might avail ourselves of her goodness and treasure. She offers pleasantness amidst life’s pain from being rooted in truth and the steadfastness of an unchanging God. Do we respond to her appeals and take advantage of her better, refreshing, life-giving ways? Are we willing to search amidst our mess to find her favors? When are we seeking her source in Scripture? (Proverbs 1:20-23; 2:1-15)

When we have enjoyed the gain of wisdom, and begin to breathe her graces and practice her rhythms, what fruit are we bearing in the places we influence? How readily do we share wisdom learned through hardship or long obedience? With whom can we delight in God’s faithful provision in challenging decisions? Where can we pass along the treasure and gain God has so graciously given?

Father, make me wise, and generous with wisdom’s gifts to spread pleasantness in harsh and needy places.