Sobriety and Joy
Today, November 10, is one year since my mother-in-law passed away. We also learned that one of my husband's uncles passed away October 10 this year, which was just three days short of my mother-in-law's birthday.
Which brings me back to Psalm 90:12: "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom" (NAS) and Psalm 51:6: "Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart" (ESV).
Why must we number our days? What does a heart of wisdom look like?
First, the heart is the center of the person. Proverbs 4:23 commands us: "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life" (NAS; italics added).
Second, wisdom is highlighted this way: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10; NAS). Psalm 111:10 puts it this way:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever" (ESV).
So a heart of wisdom is centered on fearing the LORD and knowing the Holy One personally.
Third, this is a life-long process. This is why we are told to number our days. Ecclesiastes 12 implores those who are young in these terms: "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw nigh when you will say, 'I have no delight in them'" (12:1; NAS).
Whatever your age, take encouragement from James 1:3-5: "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given him" (NAS).
In the past year, we have had many occasions to take the Lord at His word there in James.
Sobriety is what comes as we consider the brevity of life, given the length of eternity.
Joy results in seeing God continue to keep His word as He grants wisdom.
Which brings me back to Psalm 90:12: "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom" (NAS) and Psalm 51:6: "Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart" (ESV).
Why must we number our days? What does a heart of wisdom look like?
First, the heart is the center of the person. Proverbs 4:23 commands us: "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life" (NAS; italics added).
Second, wisdom is highlighted this way: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10; NAS). Psalm 111:10 puts it this way:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever" (ESV).
So a heart of wisdom is centered on fearing the LORD and knowing the Holy One personally.
Third, this is a life-long process. This is why we are told to number our days. Ecclesiastes 12 implores those who are young in these terms: "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw nigh when you will say, 'I have no delight in them'" (12:1; NAS).
Whatever your age, take encouragement from James 1:3-5: "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given him" (NAS).
In the past year, we have had many occasions to take the Lord at His word there in James.
Sobriety is what comes as we consider the brevity of life, given the length of eternity.
Joy results in seeing God continue to keep His word as He grants wisdom.
Labels: Ecclesiastes 12:1, James 1:3-5, Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 111:10, Psalm 51:6, Psalm 90:12
posted by Ebeth | 10:53 AM
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