GROWING IN WISDOM

I love books. My hubby loves books. Before moving into our current home, it was important that we find a place to put our books. Sure enough, we found a 23’ wall that was perfect for building a bookshelf that went from one wall to the other.

What kind of books, you might ask. Well, we have books from college and seminary, homeschooling books, science, history, and biographies. We both love apologetics…and have books on art and poetry; and totally fun books on telling jokes and making crafts with the grands.   

Have we read all the books? Absolutely not. We’re still waiting for the day when words fly off the shelves and into our minds while we sleep. Ha!!   

Right now, I have two books I am reading.

The first is a day-by-day devotional that my hubby and I are reading together. It’s a book on Proverbs by Timothy Keller and his wife, Kathy.

Though we call Proverbs a book, it is only one chapter in a much larger book called the Bible in which all of the parts together present a single coherent story. Each proverb is an observation of some aspect of life and how it works. They are neither absolute commands nor promises, and often are partial. No one saying gives the whole picture. Proverbs, gives its fullest meaning when read cumulatively.

The book starts off by reminding us that wisdom is more than knowing all of God’s commands, and even more than being a moral person. It is knowing God’s Word and how to apply it in when there are no specific commands. You know, like who to marry, what job to take and should we move or not?

So, how do we know what to do when the Bible does not give a specific command?

We grow in wisdom and discernment.

This begins with a vital relationship with God that is rooted in a proper understanding of who He is.

The second book is Frankenstein, a book I am reading for a junior high and high school class that I am teaching. Talk about an interesting read. Though, the book is fascinating in parts, it does take a toll on your heart. As the monster recounts his sad life, he often sees himself as a victim. In the eyes of the author, he was made good and benevolent. He became evil because of his misery and blames his creator (Frankenstein) for not making him happy. If Frankenstein is to represent God in the author’s mind, it is a totally incorrect view!!

Reading the book is much like reading the newspapers of today!!

I found myself being swayed by his misery until I remembered who my God is and what He has done. As we are learning in our sermon series, the ability to think is a gift and our thoughts are meant to lead us to God. So, one by one, I began to make a mental list. Has God made Himself known? Does He love His creatures? How does He show it? As my mind began to fill with truth, my emotions began to shift. My thoughts literally changed my feelings, and I began to rejoice.

What a great God we serve!!
 
As we look forward to the coming year, let’s remember there is no place where we will go that God does not already know nor has He already been.

- He knows what it feels like to be loved and not loved in return.
- He knows what it feels like to be falsely accused.
- He knows what it feels like to feel excruciating pain and to suffer.
- And He knows what it feels like to die.

There is no pain we can feel that He does not know and most important of all, we know this life is not it. Glory is coming!!!

In the meantime, He does not leave us alone. He intercedes for us and walks with us. He gives comfort and wisdom to help along the way. There is no suffering here that compares with the JOY that awaits us all!!! None.

As I wrap my mind around my God and all that He has done to draw me into His presence, how can I not trust Him?

Oh, may we continue to increase in the knowledge of God that we may grow in wisdom.

LORD…”teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12

Hugs ‘n prayers.
Bobbie