Hide And Seek

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

Proverbs 25:2 (NIV)

Solomon understood two things that seem to stand in conflict to each other.

1. In many ways God is mysterious. It’s been said that if God were so small we could completely understand him, he would be too small for us to worship him. So think about it. Do you really understand how gravity works, or why your eye can see, or how a tiny seed can grow into a tree? If we can’t grasp the mysteries of the creation, how much more so the Creator? Actually, it should thrill us that God has wisdom and understanding so vast and perfect we could explore it for all of eternity. “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33, NKJV).

2. The fact is that even though we cannot understand everything, we need to seek to understand the things that we should understand. Kings and leaders and godly moms who take their responsibilities seriously never get tired of learning how they can grow in their ability to be and do their best. One of the first things that Solomon did when he became king was to ask God for wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:9 Solomon prayed, “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (NIV).

Ladies, we live in a complicated, confusing, and challenging world, but the same God to whom Solomon went to ask for wisdom is waiting and wanting to give it to you. “Ask and you shall receive” (Matthew 7:7, paraphrased).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

What does it mean “to search out a matter”? For example, I have a friend who has recently retired. She attends church and reads her Bible, but she isn’t using her spiritual gifts to serve. I challenged her to “search out” God’s will for this next phase of her life. Here are the steps:

1. Ask God for direction before you ask anyone else.
2. Pay attention to the stirrings he puts in your heart.
3. Look for God to open doors and send confirmation.
4. Step out to do what he is leading you to do.

One Year Bible Reading

Jeremiah 14:11–16:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:9–3:13; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 25:1-5