Thursday, August 9

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018

 

“In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water

    that he channels toward all who please him.

A person may think their own ways are right,

    but the Lord weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:1,2)

 

 

These two verses from Proverbs both relate to God’s sovereignty over creation.  This reality should ultimately bring us peace, knowing that His purposes will prevail.

 

The first proverb addresses the nature of human governmental structures.  At the time that these verses were written, kings wielded tremendous authority, well beyond that of most modern leaders.  Outside of considering God’s sovereignty, an individual subject might stand in great fear of the king, believing that the king’s whims would determine his or her future.  This verse captures the idea that even kings’ hearts remained under God’s control and that God intended to protect his faithful servants.

 

The second proverb underscores that God’s Word stands above our own thinking, however elevated.  We often resort to self-justification, even as we know in our consciences that we have disregarded the truth of God’s Word.  As an example, we might believe that God wouldn’t really judge us for our pride or our lack of love for others.  Times have changed, right?  Yet, God’s Word hasn’t changed, and it remains effective today and forever.  If we choose to live according to our own standards, we will ultimately break God’s law and fall under judgment.  By the powerful blood of Christ, however, we may be established as God’s sons and daughters and receive full forgiveness for our sin and reconciliation with God.

 

After receiving salvation, we will do well to honor God’s Word faithfully.  For the Christ-follower, we set our hearts and minds on bringing glory to God, and we will fall short of that goal if we choose to disregard God’s Word.  Humility will lead us to obedience and ultimately freedom and joy.  I commend this talk by Francis Chan on living humbly before God as an additional resource; its message will challenge and edify you:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPnv3PKd1FQ.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for teaching us wisdom through the Proverbs.  Thank You that You control the course of history, even reaching to the halls of power.  We submit ourselves to You today, looking to follow Your Word more closely.  Show us where we may live more humbly and more fully recognize Your sovereignty in our lives.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.