Day 30- Proverbs 30
Oops, I apologize on the delay of this post. I had it done 3 days ago, but with the snow I forgot to post.
This might surprise some people that know me, but I hate change. Not so much changing and growing, but having to change plans. I’m a planner, and I passionately embrace routine. I get up the same time and do the same routine each day, even on weekends. I like to plan my workweek and schedule a certain way. I like to visit the same restaurants and typically order the same thing. On the occasion I order something different, I’m usually not happy with what I get. Basically, when I’m following my routine, everything goes smoothly.
Over the last 30 days you have created a routine or rhythm of spiritual nourishment. You’ve experienced the impact of God’s word on your day as you’ve read and reflected on these words of wisdom. I find the last part of verse 8 fitting…
but give me only my daily bread.
At first glance this verse speaks directly to our physical needs and provisions, but the idea of daily bread is also reflective in spiritual nourishment. In the book of Exodus we find the Israelites wandering in the dessert for 40 years. During that time God provided daily provisions of meat in the evening and bread in the morning. They called the bread manna (Exodus 16). The tricky thing with this bread and meat was that the Israelites were instructed by God to only gather enough for the day, if they tried to take more then they needed for a daily provision, it spoiled. The Israelites learned the principle of trusting God to provide for their daily nourishment. Jesus also referred to this in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6)
I like to think of God’s Word as my “manna”, the daily provision God provides me each morning that sustains me through my day. Remember I’m a routine guy, and on the rare occasion I miss a morning dose of “manna”, my whole day is affected. I have more difficulty making good decisions, I respond to people poorly, and I find I’m less gracious and more judgmental as the day goes on.
You’ve found rhythm and routine through 31-day challenge and it doesn’t have to end tomorrow.
5 “Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
What have you learned most during the 31 day challenge?
I think what was I reminded of most during the challenge is the simplicity of the truth in God’s call on our lives. In all honesty, these principles are not that hard. We just tend to muck them up with all the trappings of the world when at the core God’s truth is very simple. Love God, love others. The Proverbs give solid, simple ways to do it. It’s just a good reminder that no matter what challenges come our direction we need to just step back and look to God for inspiration and direction.
I’ve adored being able to daily read what the devotional writer said that day as well as everyone’s comments. It’s repeatedly encouraged me that life is about living it each day, seeing what God has for us that day, depending on Him. It’s helped me keep my focus simple instead of putting too much focus on the big issues, keeping it real in the today.