NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

July 3

Scripture focus: My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute 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 your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3:1-8

During the season of my discontent, I attended a lecture on “How to Stay Faithful”. That lecture hit me like a ton of bricks (or feathers, I suppose). I had not acted wisely or responsibly and I have subsequently spent much time examining the wisdom section of the writings in an effort to sort through this mess that I got myself into. I found myself trying to live with the tension of knowing I had allowed my emotions to overwhelm me despite the fact that God has provided resources to prevent such behavior.

While Proverbs 1-9 discusses sexual faithfulness, I believe that there exist themes and wisdom which can be gleaned from these passages and applied to any situation that requires faithfulness. (And what situation does not? In both large and small things, aren’t we called to be faithful?)

The first part of chapter three, verses 1-12, instruct readers to cling to loyalty and faithfulness and to trust in Yahweh (Yahweh is the Old Testament word used to specifically describe the God of Israel, and no other gods with a small g).

I do not think that my behavior during this time aligned with a person steadfastly devoted to trusting in Yahweh. Further, I did not “Keep [my] heart with all vigilance…” as 4:23 instructs. This verse presumes a certain amount of control over one’s emotions. As a fairly emotional person, I often feel powerless in this area.

But as my mom often says, powerless and taking personal responsibility for one’s choices are two different issues. Unfortunately, even my mom’s oft drilled words of advice proved unhelpful to me in the circumstances I found myself in. Still, I did have a vague sense that I had lessons to learn. swm
 
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