Rewired

Listen to the words of the wise;apply your heart to my instruction.For it is good to keep these sayings in your heartand always ready on your lips.I am teaching you today—yes, you—so you will trust in the LORD.

Proverbs 22:17-19

This beautiful proverb is so imploring! Please, please lean into God’s rich, true wisdom. Don’t just read God’s Word or listen with your ears. Let it completely rewire you from the inside out.

Life has many complicated twists and turns. David was a man who hid God’s Word deep within his heart. In 1 Samuel 24:1-32 David was fleeing for his life from King Saul. In En-gedi he and his men were hidden in a cave. Saul came in, not realizing David was there—so close David could cut off a corner of his robe. Oh, how his men would have loved for him to strike Saul dead on the spot so they all could return to their homes. But David refused. He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the LORD’s anointed one” (1 Samuel 24:6). It’s times like this that we need God’s will and ways engraved deep within us. A set of pat answers and some tidy rules just don’t cut it when things start screaming out of control and we have tough choices.

On a practical level, is it worth it to yield to God’s will and ways? Good question. David chose to honor God instead of yielding to revenge. When he did, he set the standard for his own future reign as king. He honored God, and God then honored him.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

David’s example in the cave shows us what it looks like to trust the Lord, even when it goes against our own natural instincts. I have a feeling David slept very well that night. So did his men. They knew they were being led by a man of integrity. Child of God, can’t you see how a life of trustful obedience is the greatest life there could ever be? We never have to look over our shoulders; we never have to fear. When we have placed ourselves entirely in the faithful hands of our almighty God, we are safe.

One Year Bible Reading

Ecclesiastes 7:1–9:18; 2 Corinthians 7:8-16; Psalm 48:1-14; Proverbs 22:17-19