Wisdom over words....
These days are hard to understand. Even for the wisest among us, things can seem murky and unsure.
It is wise to be careful what we intake through social media and news outlets. We must filter everything through God's Word.
More and more I am learning as I get older to be quiet. To listen. To be silent.
I have a hard time learning and listening to God when I am constantly talking, talking, talking.
Opinions run rampant these days. Everyone has one.
Fools talk incessantly, wise people listen.
"Fools have no interest in understanding, they only want to air their own opinions." Proverbs 18:2-3
There are some well meaning, albeit unwise folks, who think that it is their purpose in life to set things straight. To open the eyes of others. To get people to see their version of truth.
But, what does God say? That is what we need to be asking.
We all have opinions. Every last one of us.
Yet, are we seeking God's answer and instruction?
I have found myself over the past few months regurgitating things I have seen and read that sound wise.
Yet, I am convicted greatly because I have not prayed or asked the Lord His thoughts on the subject.
We all want to think we know better. Or we know what is best. Or we know what is "really" happening.
And, the truth is, only God really knows.
Yet, so often we don't ask Him.
How do I know this?
Because if we did, we would have much less to say.
When He speaks, we silence our mouths.
We stand in Holy awe and reverence when He speaks.
I don't see a lot of that happening these days.
"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Proverbs 1:7
Many days, I find myself wanting to lock myself in a room with God and plead with Him for wisdom. I think of Jacob. The God-wrestler.
"I will not let you go until you bless me", Jacob pleads with God. (Genesis 32:25)
I found these words coming out of my soul on repeat. I will not leave until you give me wisdom, Lord. Desperately I need it.
I hear conflicting things. Conflicting news.
Wisdom is in high demand.
Yet, I hear His Voice whisper, "I am not the Author of confusion, but of Peace." 1 Corinthians 14:33.
Even relationships can be messy. What to do, Lord? How can I please you in this situation that seems so dire and messy?
Often there is no tangible solution.
It is just a command, "Love each other as I have loved you." John 13:34
Ok, got it. But, what does that look like in my everyday life?
Then the scripture that is daily my reminder...
It is wise to be careful what we intake through social media and news outlets. We must filter everything through God's Word.
More and more I am learning as I get older to be quiet. To listen. To be silent.
I have a hard time learning and listening to God when I am constantly talking, talking, talking.
Opinions run rampant these days. Everyone has one.
Fools talk incessantly, wise people listen.
"Fools have no interest in understanding, they only want to air their own opinions." Proverbs 18:2-3
There are some well meaning, albeit unwise folks, who think that it is their purpose in life to set things straight. To open the eyes of others. To get people to see their version of truth.
“Do not call conspiracy
everything this people calls a conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it. " Isaiah 8:12
We all have opinions. Every last one of us.
Yet, are we seeking God's answer and instruction?
I have found myself over the past few months regurgitating things I have seen and read that sound wise.
Yet, I am convicted greatly because I have not prayed or asked the Lord His thoughts on the subject.
We all want to think we know better. Or we know what is best. Or we know what is "really" happening.
And, the truth is, only God really knows.
Yet, so often we don't ask Him.
How do I know this?
Because if we did, we would have much less to say.
When He speaks, we silence our mouths.
We stand in Holy awe and reverence when He speaks.
I don't see a lot of that happening these days.
"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Proverbs 1:7
Many days, I find myself wanting to lock myself in a room with God and plead with Him for wisdom. I think of Jacob. The God-wrestler.
"I will not let you go until you bless me", Jacob pleads with God. (Genesis 32:25)
I found these words coming out of my soul on repeat. I will not leave until you give me wisdom, Lord. Desperately I need it.
I hear conflicting things. Conflicting news.
Wisdom is in high demand.
Yet, I hear His Voice whisper, "I am not the Author of confusion, but of Peace." 1 Corinthians 14:33.
Even relationships can be messy. What to do, Lord? How can I please you in this situation that seems so dire and messy?
Often there is no tangible solution.
It is just a command, "Love each other as I have loved you." John 13:34
Ok, got it. But, what does that look like in my everyday life?
Then the scripture that is daily my reminder...
"and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." 1 Thessalonians 4:11
Ok, got it.
Lead a quiet life. There it is again.
Mind my own business.
Tend to my work.
Basically, quit trying to figure everything out and tend to my own little red wagon as my momma would say.
God did not intend for me to save the world. He sent His Word and His Son to do that.
I just need to listen. Seek. Pray. Mind my own business.
And most of all...LOVE one another.
If we keep it simple, God will handle the rest. He will not let us down. He will continue to fill us with wisdom if we continue to ask Him.
He won't leave us in the dark.
He will speak. When we stop talking.
listening more.
jill
