Being blind is sometimes yucky, especially when you end up with weird stuff in your mouth.
A while back, I took a bite of bread that tasted moist, really moist, more than usual.
“This tastes funny,” I murmured.
With a swift move, my mom grabbed it from my hand. “Don’t eat that! It’s all moldy.”
Ugh!
Just last night, I took a bite of a delicious pear. And when a piece refused to disintegrate between my teeth, I realized I was chewing those pesky round labels. Why do they put them on each piece of fruit?
But my foolishness didn’t begin with eating strange stuff.
Before I knew Christ as my Lord, my problems were bigger. I chewed on ideas that weren’t sweet such as “I can do it all on my own.”
I bit on sour insecurities, reminding me I didn’t measure up.
It continued. I tasted unpleasant notions that suggested my blindness defined who I was.
And I had a plate full of lies that said my visual limitations would kill my dreams and gloom would fill my days.
I know it’s different for you.
Maybe blindness isn’t the problem you face. Instead, some other heartache or disappointment left a bitter taste in your mouth. That’s why from your lips comes the complaint that life is cruel and unfair.
You’re right; it is. That’s why, In Proverbs 3, God gave us these five steps so we can taste His goodness served on a silver tray called His wisdom.
They’re five areas where wisdom becomes the only path, the only option to make life more pleasant, easier and dare I say, delightful.
- Embrace God’s wisdom in order to live a long life and enjoy prosperity. “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and long life and peace will they add to you” (Prov. 3:1-2).
- Take a deep breath and stop trying to please others. If you first love God above all and are faithful to Him, you’ll gain favor with Him and favor with others too. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man” (Prov. 3:3-4, NIV).
- Going around in circles, looking for answers, searching for direction? Try this instead: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).
- Seek God’s wisdom, not your own. “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Prov. 3:7-8).
- Emotional indigestion attacks when money dwindles and bills that pile up. But better than a hefty savings account, God has the only option to true abundance. “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine” (Prov. 3:9-10).
No Matter
No matter what tastes bitter right now, no matter how unfair life has turned or how much pain has invaded your days, embracing God’s wisdom sets us free. It releases the toxins of doubt, worry and fear. When they’re conquered, you can taste and see His goodness. The goodness of His promises that repeat: When you’re down, He will lift you up. When you’re frustrated, He will bring back peace. And when all seems hopeless, He will restore your faith to believe, truly believe, that triumph is yours.
Let’s Pray
Father, how often I chewed on the wrong things—misconceptions, insecurities, foolishness and even hopelessness. Thank You for reaching down to rescue me with Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, I thank you.
Are you facing life with God’s wisdom or your own these days? {eoa}
Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker and the author of four books. She has helped thousands conquer fear and bring back joy.
This article originally appeared at janetperezeckles.com.
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