Discover His heart: He, the great Counselor, has provided counsel through His Word
When we’re going through a difficult season in life or find ourselves questioning things that have happened to us, we usually find a good friend or counselor to talk to about it. They don’t always have the answers we need, but it helps to express our thoughts and feelings. However, the Holy Spirit, the great Counselor, is our greatest listener and leads us to whatever truth we seek through His still small voice and through the pages of Scripture. Our reading today expresses a way of counseling that is like preventive medicine.
“Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.” (17-18) Beginning with verse 17, Proverbs shares its wise sayings with a different approach. Rather than single verses giving wisdom on different subjects, now several verses are combined to reveal wise instruction. “I am teaching you today—yes you—so you will trust in the Lord.” (19) And of course, Solomon was writing to us as well, yes us!
I like reading through Psalms and Proverbs entirely every month. Reading just five Psalms and one Proverb each day makes this possible. Talk about keeping “these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips!” Taking just a few minutes each day to read these wonderful words of instruction and wisdom can result in life-changing benefits. The counsel and example of David through praise and worship and the incredible wisdom of Solomon are at our fingertips every day. They reveal to us in advance how we should respond to the challenges we may face on any given day and serve as preventive counseling.
We may save ourselves a lot of future pain by reading these treasures in God’s Word every day and keeping them in our hearts and on our lips, and I’m all for that! “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.” (Psalm 119:11-12)
Moving Forward: So thankful today for the mighty and trustworthy counsel of His Word!
Tomorrow @ Joel
Phyllis Benigas 