My Candle Is Burning…

As I had promised, last  night I got back in the Word.  I pulled out my bible, my trusted companion for some 26 years or so now, full of highlights, notes etc., and opened to where my book mark last rested.  I had been on a quest to read through the book of Proverbs, and decided to just pick up right there where I left off.

Proverbs 3:1-13 was the passage.  I began reading, and noticed most of this passage is highlighted already, from past reads.  Some favorite verses are here in this text.  But this time, the Lord spoke to me through the words, in ways I’ve not experienced when reading it before.

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
      And lean not on your own understanding;

Oh how I have been relying on ME, my own understanding.  Trying to figure out where I am going, what I am doing, trying to figure out life and what to do or not do.  All on my own, all without spending time in the Word and in prayer.  Not waiting on the Lord for direction and guidance but charging full steam ahead then wondering why things aren’t working out.  Dating and meeting men, hoping to find that one great guy that will share faith with me, and a life, but not asking for help in finding him.

⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him,
      And He shall direct^[a] your paths.

When was the last time I acknowledged the Lord in my life, business, in my recreation…in anything?  Not just lip service but truly gave thanks to Him for all that I have and will have?

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;
      Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

Oh the times I make decisions, not based on what I know I should do because of my faith and beliefs, but on what I selfishly wanted.  I do not fear the Lord when I do this, nor do I turn from evil and sin.  I’m not necessarily choosing to sin, but I do make the choice to do things that I know do not honor Him, nor are fitting for the daughter of the creator of the Universe.

Those verses jumped out at me, I’ve not been where I need to be, in His Word, in prayer, in church sitting on the sheep side next to Jane.

I’m busy seeking a godly man as a mate, getting my business with Avon up and running, instead of SEEKING the Lord first and knowing He will handle the rest.

I am so glad I spent the time there last night, in the Word, going over the passage, letting it speak to me.

Proverbs 3:1-13

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹My son, do not forget my law,

But let your heart keep my commands;
² For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
³ Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
⁴ And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct^[a] your paths.
⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
⁸ It will be health to your flesh,^[b]
And strength^[c] to your bones.
⁹ Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
¹⁰ So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
¹¹ My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
¹² For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
¹³ Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 3:6 Or make smooth or straight
2. Proverbs 3:8 Literally navel, figurative of the body
3. Proverbs 3:8 Literally drink or refreshment