Read Proverbs 4
Today I read Proverbs 4 from the Passion Translation
My thoughts from Proverbs 4:
Listen to correction
Let discernment enter your heart
Pay attention
God's wisdom, His Truth, is a gift to us - cherish it
Never forget God's Word - what we don't know about His Word will destroy us
When we do what His Word says we will reign in life
Make wisdom your quest - seek after it diligently as your vital necessity because it is
Wisdom protects so keep pursuing it and let it guide your steps
Wisdom also rescues when you listen to it
"Wisdom is the most valuable commodity—so buy it!" (Vs. 7)
"Revelation-knowledge is what you need—so invest in it!" (vs. 7)
Wisdom leads to the path of integrity
"Wisdom will snap you back in place-her words will be invigorating life to you." (vs13)
Don't detour from wisdom - there isn't a better way
The verse that spoke to me:
"So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life." (Proverbs 4:23 TPT)
Guard - To secure against injury, loss or attack; to protect; to defend; to keep in safety; To secure against objections or the attacks of malevolence; To gird; to fasten by binding (Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary)
My takeaway:
That verse really reminded me of the importance of guarding my heart. I can't allow everything or anything in at will. I must secure my heart with healthy boundaries. Additionally, I must pay attention to what I am consuming and what's consuming me and why. The direction my life takes begins with what's going on in my heart.
I asked myself, how can I effectively guard my heart and found the answer right here in Proverbs:
"Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions. Watch where you’re going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you. Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness." (Proverbs 4:25-27 TPT)
If your gaze, your heart, is set on the path before you, your God given assignment you won't have time for anything else.
It's your responsibility to do this with fixed purpose while ignoring life's distractions.
"Don't let the urgent take the place of the important in your life." (Charles E. Hummel, The Tyranny of the Urgent)
Watch where you're going, or you may end up where you didn't want to be doing what you're not called to do.
Stick to God's path, the path of truth, that's where safety and fulfillment are found.
Again, don't be distracted or sidetracked or detoured. Remember, good things can be distractions. Ask God to show you what He wants you to do.
Always choose the God thing over the good thing.
Before deciding to do something, ask yourself - will this move me toward my purpose or away from my purpose?
A word of encouragement:
We will get distracted, make a wrong choice, not hear God clearly, and in some cases choose to be disobedient! Repent and get back on track. We can recover from anything when we are honest and open with God. We can tell Him anything.
One more thing, God is not going to change His mind about us just because we got it wrong. He's faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we confess our sins. He gives us new mercies every single day. And there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus! (See 1st John 1:9, Lamentation 3:22-3, Romans 8:1)
FAITH CONFESSION:
Lord, help me to guard my heart. Give me wisdom and discernment to know when to say no, especially to good things. Let my choices reflect, and impact, Your kingdom coming, and Your will being done on earth as it is in heaven.
Help me to set my gaze on the path You have placed before me with fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignoring life's distractions. Like Jesus, I want to be about my Father's business. With your guidance I will stick to the path of truth and not allow myself to be sidetracked or detoured to the path of darkness.
Share in the comments what verse spoke to you and why. Let's grow in wisdom together.
Be Encouraged! ❤