Meditation Journey Day 11

Hi Friend,

Today’s meditation has been challenging to communicate. I pray that we all have ears to hear what God is asking of us. If we are to incline our ears (minds, hearts and souls) to wisdom and apply our hearts to understanding, then we need to know what wisdom and understanding is from God’s perspective. Here is my conclusion:

Wisdom is the insight and knowledge of the true nature of life and things. It is the theory and ability to view life from God’s perspective. Understanding is the doing of that wisdom. Living out wisdom reveals true understanding or the skill of godly living. Understanding is the practical application of the wisdom or insight of God. Wisdom and understanding are organically connected. Wisdom grows into understanding, and the fruit of understanding gains us wisdom.  We can believe or think we have godly wisdom, but if we do not live godly lives, we are deceived.

Now the question is to gain more wisdom?

First the passage…

My son, if you receive (accept/take) my words and store up (hide) my commands within you, turning (inclining) your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for wisdom (insight) and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then (and only then) you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

My Child, if you …turn (incline) your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,

Yesterday we pondered the call to turn or incline the inner ears of our hearts to God by drawing close to Him. He wants us so close that we can feel His breath on our cheeks. Foundational to this metaphor is the humble little word of “humility”. God looks for that sweet attitude in our hearts so that He can give us wisdom and understanding. Verse six of Proverbs 2 reminds us “the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;” James writes in his letter, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” When we ask in humility for wisdom, God’s attitude toward us is always without criticism or blaming. He is never angry with us for having acted stupid or sinful. He will always give wisdom to us if we ask in faith by receiving His Word.

Now while the receiving of wisdom may be a word or message of pure truth which simply comes by God speaking to us; walking in understanding is intentional and much more difficult. His purpose in giving us wisdom, insight and knowledge of true reality is so that we will apply our hearts to understanding. Meaning we will do it. We will live out the truth so that we will know the truth. We will live out the word of wisdom so we can understand it, and we reveal our understanding by living it. Jesus appealed to this process when He instructed them, “If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my followers. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8

The seeds of Wisdom are carried to us by His word, which is why receiving His Word well is critical. The memorizing or hiding it in our hearts allows the wisdom to grow to the point of action that bears the fruit of transformation. It is through our transformed behavior that others will see the reality of The Living God in us.

The Holy Spirit is calling us to lean into Jesus Christ through His Word so we can become like Him and reveal the beauty of God. I pray that you will continue walking with me on this journey as the elevation gets higher and the terrain becomes more difficult.

Observation: In each verse of this passage God is asking more of us. Action is required for us to move closer to God by inclining our hearts to wisdom and applying them to understanding.

Interpretation: This passage calls us to a deeper connection with God and His Word. Wisdom and understanding are two sides of the same coin. One impacts the other and both increase as we humble ourselves to God to do His will.

Application Prayer: Lord, help us to allow the Word to work in us so we move closer to You in obedience to Your word. May our hearts joyfully sense Your Presence as we journey closer, higher, and deeper into Your love. In Jesus Name, Amen.

What is your take away?

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Thanks for listening. I hope you will pray for me and all the others that are on this journey. You may also want to send me comments, suggestions or questions. I promise I will respond to each inquiry.