As the rain and snow

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus… 

“Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called ‘uncircumcised’ by those who call themselves ‘the circumcision’ (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,.. and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” Ephesians 2:1-7,11-14,16

Paul draws clear distinctions between the rebel-bent filthy flesh of man versus the redeeming blood-filled sacrificial flesh of Christ. Dead, disobedient, wicked man is made alive by the grace and obedience and immeasurable love of Jesus. Self-serving boasting is swallowed by sacrificial humility so hopeless aliens, strangers, and enemies can be brought near and made whole by the broken body of the Savior. Flesh for flesh, God’s riches for spiritual indigents. The vapid and sin-sick are regenerated to spiritual health and fruitfulness. Alleluia.

In spite of these realities, we keep poking around in the flesh, meandering in worldly thought and flirting with temptations. By nature, we are lazy about changing clothes and habits. Disregarding the spiritual riches in our possession and careless about arming ourselves against enemy wiles, we go about work and play in mediocrity as spiritual paupers. (Luke 22:42; Romans 6:6-7,11-14; Ephesians 6:11-18; Colossians 3:5-17)

Every reminder to shake off the flesh is a call to remember Christ’s. His was perfect! His was surrendered wholly to His Father, and battled with temptation fully yielded to His Spirit and powerful, keeping Word! And in that unblemished flesh He took on my weakness and fallibility so I would not need to any longer! (Matthew 4:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15-16)

Will I in bold faith exchange my flesh for His, wrestling for peace? What mindset or practice need I ruthlessly put off? How will I take advantage of heavenly access to rejoice and live freely in His grace? How can the flesh of Christ become my example and sustenance for daily struggles, and victory? (Ephesians 4:22-32; 5:3-4,8-11)

Lord, help me daily die to self and live by faith, as You did, and empower, to Your glory. (Galatians 2:20)

“To know wisdom and instruction,
    to understand words of insight,
to receive instruction in wise dealing,
    in righteousness, justice, and equity;
to give prudence..,
    knowledge and discretion..—
Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
    and the one who understands obtain guidance…
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…

“Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
    in the markets she raises her voice..:
‘How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
    and fools hate knowledge?
If you turn at my reproof,
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
    I will make my words known to you…
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
    they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
Because they hated knowledge
    and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
would have none of my counsel
    and despised all my reproof,
therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
    and have their fill of their own devices.’

“My son, if you receive my words
    and treasure up my commandments with you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
    and inclining your heart to understanding;
yes, if you call out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 1:2-5,7,20,22-23,28-31; 2:1-6

The call to wisdom is clear, and its benefits many. Instruction, insight, and learning give prudence for relationships, business dealings, and temptation. To search out knowledge is commended, but its increase must not stand alone. The vital underlying motive, impetus, and result of the command to increase understanding are all to fear the Lord. From this flows, and in this lies, true wisdom. Without fear of God, knowledge is untethered and its application lacks the power the Spirit of God infuses when we fear Him first.

Information is ubiquitous. We are constantly bombarded with a myriad of topics and experts from every direction, and daily must choose source and strategy. Gaining knowledge without the higher goal of knowing and fearing God will leave us hefty of head but empty in soul.

Above all, what do I prize? Do I maintain a high view of God by deliberate worship of Him? How can exploring His world, honing discernment, and discovering the truth about things increase my reverence for the Lord? What am I doing to search out and apply knowledge in the fear of God? (Job 28:20-28)

“The fear of the Lord our days will prolong,
In trouble afford a confidence strong,
Will keep us from sinning, will prosper our ways,
And is the beginning of wisdom and grace.

The fear of the Lord preserves us from death,
Enforces his word, enlivens our faith,
They only that fear him the truth can discern,
For, living so near him, his secrets they learn.

The fear of the Lord forbids us to yield;
It sharpens our sword and strengthens our shield.
Then cry we to heaven, with one loud accord,
That to us be given the fear of the Lord.” ~J. Hart (1762)

Worthy Father, help me diligently increase in wisdom and insight while fearing You, and so apply them to the blessing of Your kingdom and praise of Your glory.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions  and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:13-25

The freedom of the Christian life develops in a vital mix of buts and busy. Knowing Christ opens many a contrast of old and new, wrong and right, waste and fruitfulness. Our freedom from sin’s slavery opens us to a new freedom to serve with abandon while dealing with the same pesky temptations. With His indwelling Spirit, though, we’re also free to serve His ways over the desires of the flesh. Walking in the Spirit is a gradual and growing process of putting away works of flesh by exercising works of faith. We’re free to choose the better but of every contrast, and so please Him and build up our spiritual siblings.

It is challenging in life’s busyness to make sure we are on the right side of the contrasts presented in Scripture. As full as our days are, priorities must be set and kept at the start. We must be careful to put off and put on accordingly. Casual attitudes and sloth make room for sliding into sin practices. Failure to maintain accountability to others is a formula for justifying rebellion. Unless we replace bad habits with good ones, we will find ourselves fruitless and ineffective. (Galatians 6:1-3,6-8; Colossians 3:1-17; 2 Peter 1:5-8)

How are we exercising our freedom in Christ? What are we doing constructively with the time God allots us? Every moment offers the choice to serve self or the Sovereign. Will we walk in the Spirit according to God’s word and will?

How devoted are we to doing good to others by bearing the fruit of the Spirit eagerly, with generosity? Have we grown weary and therefore lax in service, in carefulness, in honoring the Lord? Need we adjust our busy? What specifically need we put off or away in order to keep in step with the Spirit and make the most of every opportunity? (Psalm 90:12,17; Galatians 6:9-10)

Lord, keep me carefully and always in step with Your Spirit, for Your blessing and praise.

“[Jesus told] a parable… because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.  He said, ‘A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, “Engage in business until I come…” 

“‘When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, “Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.”  And he said to him, “Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.” The second came, saying, “Lord, your mina has made five minas.”  And he said to him, “And you are to be over five cities.”  Then another came, saying, “Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief;  for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man…”  He said to him, “I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man..? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?”  

“‘And he said to those who stood by, “Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas… I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”‘” Luke 19:11-13,15-24,26

Jesus’s parables intentionally addressed a concern or mindset of His disciples in order to correct their thinking. Eager for Him to take over their present kingdom, they misconstrued how they were to prepare in present life for His reign. He was soon to wear a crown of thorns, not one of earthly authority, and He wanted to instill in them a sense of lasting stewardship of all He had put in their care. To be wasteful of their trust now would make for wistfulness in the future.

Often we get engaged in projects or work that we suppose will take a certain path and end in a certain way or time. Our assumptions, however reasoned, are always trumped by the providence of God, who alone knows beginnings and ends. More than our personal determinations, He desires that we seek His means and methods along the way, and that we faithfully handle all He’s entrusted us for the now, no matter the future. Whether we like our circumstances or not, we will be held to account for our stewardship in them. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Where are we being guided in daily efforts by misplaced or selfish agendas? Would we seek first God’s direction and ends? What or whom has He entrusted to us to manage for this season, and how well are we able to give account? Have we let sloth, procrastination, distaste for our authorities or assignments, or distorted perceptions of God’s holy standards affect our efforts? What attitudes and responsibilities need adjustment toward faithfulness and excellence? Engaging in God’s business His way results in greater responsibility, great reward, and glory to Him.

Lord, help me handle every resource and responsibility with care, zeal, and honor, as from and unto You.

“Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’ A third time he said to them, ‘Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death…’ But they were urgent, demanding that he be crucified. And their voices prevailed.  So Pilate… released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will…

“Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.  And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine  and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?  And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’  And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:20-25,32-33,39-43

The passions of men twist the patterns of justice, evident in the trials and crucifixion of our Lord. A mixture of hatred, fear, misunderstood motives, and angst fueled the crowds to shout for a criminal’s release and an innocent’s death. It’s likely they couldn’t even explain why, like so many drawn into a frenzy by sinister provocateurs and the media today. After all, what had Jesus ever done to harm them? Surely they knew those helped by His ministry of love and healing and gospel truth.

But our enemy is intent on confusion, lies, and destruction, so in God’s perfect economy and sovereign plan of redemption, Jesus was condemned to Calvary. Two thieves, both deserving their punishment, saw things two ways. One was caustic and faithless, flippantly demanding cheap grace. The other understood what was happening, confessed his guilt and Jesus’s worthiness, and appealed in reverential fear for His mercy. (John 10:10)

When we are in the throes of injustice, as observers or victims, the flesh often distorts right assessment of God’s intent. It helps to step away and behold the One in the middle, willingly crucified for the criminals beside Him and around and within us. He died to take our angst and malice and haughty cackling, our inverted sense of desert and ugly attitudes of superiority, to the tomb, forever.

Have I grasped my wretchedness before Christ? Do I blame Him for heartaches and troubles, or thank Him for daily mercies? How will a fresh look at the cross, and His grace toward the penitent, affect the way I see myself, and see and love others? (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Lord, keep me near the cross, rejoicing in and reflecting its mercies.

“When the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai,  they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said, ‘We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.’

“The Israelites said, ‘But perhaps you live near us, so how can we make a treaty with you?’

“’We are your servants,’ they said.

“But Joshua asked, ‘Who are you and where do you come from?’

“They answered: ‘Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt, and to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan… And our elders and all those living in our country said to us, “Take provisions for your journey; go and meet them and say, ‘We are your servants; make a treaty with us.’” This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is. And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.’

“The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.  Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

“Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living near them.” Joshua 9:3-16

Suspicions aroused and allayed, serious-minded Joshua concluded the Gibeonites’ story made all the sense in the world. Indeed his God was famous and wrought fear in the people of the land. Why would these wanderers not rather serve God’s people than be destroyed? But instinct stemming from reason, inspection, and explanation failed him, and the results were lasting.

Relying on what we want to be true is a dangerous persuasion. Good instincts are a gift from God, but they must be founded on and filtered through the truth of His word and affirmed in prayer. Too easily, they can be pulled astray by emotion or false promise of success. If we would be wise, it is crucial to train our discernment and seek the mind of Christ at every turn. We must study His word to understand how He deals with and works among men, and pray to know and heed His warnings.

How steeped am I in the ways of God? How readily can I apply lessons taught from His word or personal experience? Am I impatient, quick in pride to rely on my own understanding, and slow to humble myself to ask God’s direction? How will I be sure to hear His voice and make decisions according to His will? (Proverbs 3:5–6; Psalm 32:8; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 1:9-10; Colossians 1:9-10)

Father, give me an instinct for holiness, and train my discernment through Your perfect word, ways, and prayer, that I glorify You in its exercise.

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.”

“My son, keep your father’s command
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Bind them always on your heart;
    fasten them around your neck.
When you walk, they will guide you;
    when you sleep, they will watch over you;
    when you awake, they will speak to you.
For this command is a lamp,..
and correction and instruction
    are the way to life,
keeping you… from the smooth talk of a wayward woman.”

“My son, keep my words
    and store up my commands within you.
Keep my commands and you will live;
    guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
Bind them on your fingers;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’
    and to insight, ‘You are my relative.’
They will keep you from the adulterous woman,
    from the wayward woman with her seductive words.” Proverbs 3:3-4; 6:20-24; 7:1-5

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and strength. These commandments I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” Deuteronomy 6:5-8

The figurative language in Scripture does much for emphasis and understanding. Binding love and faithfulness and the truth of God’s word around the neck secures it close to head and heart. Tying commands to fingers stays steady the hands and directs them in work, creativity, and affection. The teachings of Scripture, made alive by the Spirit and illustration, become a beacon of identity when worn and borne as a seal.

Blessedness is promised, but will is required. The let and put and fasten of binding and tying do not just happen. They are deliberate responses to the Word read, tasted, and believed to be good. When we cooperate in obedience to God’s commands, He does His part to guard, guide, fortify against temptation and folly. The power and righteous perfection of the Word convict, correct, instruct, and stand fixed as filter and fortress. (Psalm 19:7-11; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Do we desire favor, protection, and illumination? Do we study and thoughtfully apply God’s Word to know it well? How bound are we to its tenets? What can we practically change or implement to tie ourselves to it in devotion and dependence, to bind it to facets of everyday life? How does biblical truth affect strategic thinking and decisions? Availing ourselves of strong teaching at church and otherwise, and fellowship that reinforces truth and refines speech, habits, and behavior are crucial to living bound to Christ.

“O to grace how great a debtor
daily I’m constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.” ~Robert Robinson (1758)

Lord, keep me bound forever to Your blessed word, for Your name’s sake.

“One day, as Jesus was teaching in the temple.., the chief priests and scribes with the elders said, ‘Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.’ He answered,.. ‘was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?’ They discussed it, saying, ‘If we say, “From heaven,” he will say, “Why did you not believe him?” But if we say, “From man,” the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.’ So they answered that they did not know…  Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’

“He [told] the people this parable: ‘A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. He sent another servant. But they also beat him… He sent yet a third… Then the owner of the vineyard said, “I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ But when the tenants saw him,.. they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.’.. 

“The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.” Luke 20:1-16,19

The religious leaders knew too much not to be accountable, but relished skirting vital issues to retain control of their lives and authority. Hearing and discussing about Jesus was palatable, but surrendering was another matter. Conviction was an ugly word to be rejected by those who believed they were always right. As misplaced fears of God and man tangled, they chose an odd non-committal neutrality that held them in constant angst.

Fear is a strange and powerful deterrent to deciding for truth. It both compels and repels, depending on whether it’s directed toward the Holy One or haughty ones. It manipulates emotion and detracts from reason, a crafty tool of excuse-making and compromise in the devil’s arsenal. It is most success at spiritual disruption when we value the reaction of men over God. (Matthew 6:24; John 12:42-43)

How much and far does fear play into daily decisions? When we know what is right, where do we let fear distract and dictate? Taking fear’s wily hand and cavorting in what-ifs and I can’ts will only confuse, and keep us in the slough of non-commitment. Twirling long in this draining dance inhibits vitality, faith, and true spiritual growth. When will we shake off fears and take God’s sure grip?

What specific fears hold me back from proper action? Is it of reprisal? The Lord is on my side and defends my cause. Rejection, failure, loneliness? He’ll never leave or forsake me. Financial or reputational loss? He’s my great reward and eternal treasure. Naming them, then matching each fear to God’s greater sufficiency, will set us clean, straight, and bold. (Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 69:9; Romans 8:31-34; Ephesians 1:3; 3:21; Philippians 4:13,19)

Lord, teach me to walk daily by faith and always do the right thing, fearing and exalting You alone.

“One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they set out,  and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, ‘Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?'” Luke 8:22-25

They’d witnessed His compassion, patient conversations, miraculous healing, and authoritative teaching. They knew Him to be focused, unflappable, measured, and loving. So of course Jesus’s disciples trusted His instruction to cross the lake. They chose, both practically and figuratively, to get in the boat with Him.

But Jesus went to sleep. A windstorm whipped up trouble. Waves raged and gulped at their vessel, and their confidence. Their easy cooperation turned to fear for their lives. The storm exposed their human frailties and the limits of their faith, while also revealing the magnificent who of Jesus. Calm and unfazed, invisibly in control, He shone as their object of marvel.

Who then is this? Jesus knows the storms that will rise, and leads us intentionally into their swirl. He strategically tests our faith to teach us to wonder at His peace in their disruption, and power over their threat. And He is present in every struggle, giving calm, and a way out of temptation to despair or lose hope. Indeed, the Teacher wastes no opportunity to stretch and sanctify His own. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Who then is this? Are we willing to let this Jesus lead? Are we tempted to question His motives when we confront difficulties, or His might to help? In what hard circumstances does it seem He is asleep and indifferent to our suffering? What can we learn of His strong serenity and steady compassion in our angst?

Who then is this? Considering recent turbulence at home or work, in soul or circumstance, what are we learning of our Lord? How is He teaching gratitude, compassion, or trust? What inner storm of anger or discontent, resentment or restlessness, will we ask Jesus to rebuke, and then deliberately rest in His peace?

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

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.” ~George Keith (1787)

Lord, please master my thinking, temper, and reactions to storms so I know You better, for Your redemptive purposes and glory.

“Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,
    and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
for I give you good precepts;
    do not forsake my teaching.
When I was a son with my father,..
he taught me and said,
‘Let your heart hold fast my words;
    keep my commandments, and live.
Get wisdom; get insight;
    do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
    love her, and she will guard you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
    and whatever you get, get insight.
Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
    she will honor you if you embrace her.
She will place on your head a graceful garland;
    she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.’

Hear, my son, and accept my words…
I have taught you the way of wisdom;
    I have led you in the paths of uprightness…
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
    guard her, for she is your life.
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
    and do not walk in the way of the evil.
Avoid it; do not go on it;
    turn away from it and pass on…
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
    which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know over what they stumble.

My son, be attentive to my words;
    incline your ear to my sayings.
Let them not escape from your sight;
    keep them within your heart.
For they are life to those who find them,
    and healing to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
    for from it flow the springs of life…
Let your eyes look directly forward,
    and your gaze be straight before you.
Ponder the path of your feet;
    then all your ways will be sure.
Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
    turn your foot away from evil.” Proverbs 4:1-11,13-15,18-23,25-27

David had certainly made many a glaring mistake, but his steadfast love for the Lord and willingness to repent identified him as a man after God’s heart. One evidence of that is the care with which, in the press of responsibilities and complicated relationships and wars, he diligently taught Solomon the crucial practice of holding fast to God’s word. His priorities, though not always kept, were right, and indelibly marked his remarkable successor. Holding fast had guarded his years and exploits, and directed his son toward wisdom. (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22)

Among all the habits man deems important to establish and keep, holding fast to the Lord is vital for a fruitful life. It assures light and life of spirit, clarifies way and direction. Guarding His word guards us, giving insight by which we are honored and protected, strength to resist evil and avoid wicked paths. It sets sights and desires aright and fortifies resolve to remain true.

How can we hold fast? How attentively do we listen to and heed instruction? Is there any habit or passion so entrenched in our hearts or fists that leaves no room to seize God’s uprightness? What new attention or obedience or stewardship for those who listen to and watch us will we commit to today? (Genesis 18:19; Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

Lord, help me prize You above all else and hold fast Your wisdom, to Your renown and glory.