Yesterday we were in Proverbs chapter 2. Today, we turn the page to chapter 3.
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (v. 1-6 NLT)
Finding favor with both God and people, as verse 4 states, would be a sign of a fulfilled and balanced life, would it not? Again, God promises He can do these things in our lives when we surrender and submit to Him and His ways.
How might personal expressions like loyalty, kindness, faithfulness, and trust help you find better balance with everyone in your life? For these to become genuine in life, we must slow down and focus on others. Exactly the way we win favor and a good reputation.
With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message
Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you; take to heart my commands. They’ll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well. Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people. Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Did you notice twice in that version of the passage, the words “living well” were used? What we all desire. What we all seek. To live well.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, teach me to take the time to listen for You, teach me to hear when You speak, teach me to know the difference in my voice and Yours, others’ voices and Yours. I want to learn Your voice just as clearly as my closest friend’s. As above, so below.”