Adding to yesterday’s devotional, because every day is a step towards seeking that relationship with God in a deeper way. 

As life evolves around us we seek answers, in a world of instant gratification we seek instant understanding, yet disciples of Jesus, King David in psalm 119, and many teachings in the bible speak on humanity seeking understanding. 

We have impulses, we have unregulated emotions and we have desires. 

In devotional three we learnt of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and how His love for His people, His task to have the disciples go out and make other disciples overturned any form of desire. Jesus had flesh, He felt all the same things we struggle with daily.

Yet He held a relationship so coveted with His Father it is one we all seek to have,  even if it is a mustard seed worth.

Today I want to challenge our own desire for understanding, or acceptance in the unknown, yet security in the statutes set out for us.

“Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?”

Proverbs 8:1 NIV

There is a common saying that has been in my mind recently;

The road to hell is pathed with good intentions

There are many interpretations of this but how it has resonated with me is that wisdom will be the very thing that protects us. She offers, well orders almost us to gain her to protect ourselves against evil. 

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; 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 pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.”

Proverbs 3:13-23 NIV

Good intentions lack wisdom, we often confuse the words discipline & motivation in settings like the gym, office and work spaces. All in the focus of improving something, a better, more healthy body, a more productive work structure. The book Atomic habits has sold over 25 million copies and it’s all about creating these habits to obtain a goal such as these. 

Yet wisdom is never mentioned, yet she is the anchor of us. Without her, without understanding why would we do these things? Because of the ‘evidence’ portrayed. Yet the goal may not be the one meant for us, and without discernment and wisdom we could very easily live a good life, but one never designed for us.

It is easy to turn a life around from turmoil but not one that offers what society already deems to be healthy and/ or successful, yet never meant for you?

The demise of great is good.
 

Yet by seeking wisdom, she will help you gain an understanding more powerful than any habitual practice ever could.
 

“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs. The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.”

Proverbs 14:13-18 NIV

The world, even in Old Testament times was one of confusion and with unknown pathways created by choices made. It is the same today and in a sense within humanity this will always prove to be true. 

So with such choices offered, with such evils, and unfit options masked as ones we think to be good, how do we know which option to choose?

A or B? 

“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”

Proverbs 4:6-9 NIV

The bible is our road map, it tells us and prepares us for the world that we are a part of, not in but a part of. Make sure to seek the bible for understanding, for the world is black and white, even if the shades of grey come into your view, seek wisdom and she will guide you. 

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