Day 186 Wise Decisions

 

7/5/2025

 "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind

is stayed on You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in

YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength."

Isaiah 26:3-4

 

It's late, as usual, and here I am, my thoughts jostled, as if in a fighting match, pushed and shoved, and battered, torn. Not just confusion but utter turmoil. I received a phone call, much too late, and I listened for well over an hour to the same chatter over and over. The very same I am subjected to many days and have been for many years. I wonder how long I am to listen. I do care, but my words mean little, my experience less. At the end of each session I come away with the same question - how long, O Lord, how long? I no longer subject myself to blame or self pity. There is a time and a season for all things, and I must finally determine the end of this one and the beginning of the next. It is so utterly despairing when I am unable to make someone I love, whom I would give my life for, understand it does not to be this way. I do understand more than realized by others, because my life is not an open book to everyone. In fact, so much has been forgotten, or conveniently or perhaps kindly, placed out of my remembrance for a time. Even so, it doesn't help now, and if shared, I would only be further condemned by the one I desperately want to save. But I can't save anyone. This I already discovered from things hidden from me, purposely, and over time. Such a deadly betrayal. But that's another story, not necessarily for another day. 

Oddly the Proverbs for today are described as "Wise Decisions in Life," and include Proverbs 18-21. There is a by-line written to the side that says, "The yoke of the Lord Jesus will never fit on a stiff neck." Now that is a timely word as Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to Me and I will give you rest - all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear My yoke - for it fits perfectly - and let Me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens." (NLT) 

So, let's take a look-see at these Proverbs that I have marked from today, beginning with 18:1, The selfish man quarrels against every sound principle of conduct by demanding his own way." Whew, I'd say that one landed on my doorstep at an opportune moment, a word of all-too-true wisdom. Verse 10: The Lord is a strong fortress. The godly run to Him and are safe." Thank You, Abba, for always being my rock, my strength, my high tower, especially in times when I feel so lowly and helpless. I can climb on the Rock of my Salvation and cling to Him. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Him is no deceit, only goodness and wonderful mercy and grace. He is my hiding place where I am safe from scorn and ridicule, a refuge in the storm when the fury rages, and there seems to be no respite. Verse 20 says that the "Ability to give wise advice satisfies like a good meal!" I have no words to encourage myself with regards to helping the above-mentioned, but I do know for myself that the Word of God is my life, healing, sweeter than honey, satisfies a hungry soul and a bleeding heart. When we were born again into the Kingdom of God, Holy Spirit breathed the breath of new life - His life - into our lungs. We can experience this refreshing each day, breathing in His glory, His presence, and knowing that it will be okay, and our minds can be kept in perfect peace, as they are stayed on Him, as the verse from Isaiah 26 states. The Bible does not just contain words, they are words of life!

The Proverbs in this group for today speak one truth and then counter it with the opposite. Do this and it's all good, but if you do this, all goes to squat or nada (nothing), or something along those lines. They counter each other. Sort of like blessings and curses. The overview sums it up this way: "The varied statements of common sense in today's reading describe the perils facing the wise and the unwise, character sketches of the poor and mighty, and value judgments upon things that appear to be good and things that are good." Proverbs 19:16 "Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them means death." Well, that goes without saying!! Then in verses 20, 21, and 23: "Get all the advice you can and be wise the rest of your life!. Man proposes, but God disposes..... Reverence for God gives life, happiness, and protection from harm." O, how I pray that our leaders are staying close to the word today, to guide their steps. These verses make it clear that God is the one in control of all things, but He also allows us to make mistakes, so we will learn. the repercussions are often not pleasant in our lives, as well as in the government. So we must be faithful to pray and to trust God, no matter what happens. 

In Chapter 20 there are several verses that go along with prayers for our national and world leaders, and for all who desire to walk a responsible life. They are;

15. "Good sense is far more valuable than gold or precious jewels."

18. "Don't go ahead with your plans without the advice of others; don't go to war until they agree."

21. "Quick wealth is not a blessing in the end."

22. "Don't repay evil for evil. Wait for the Lord to handle the matter."

24. "Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way?"

27 - 29. "A man's conscience is the Lord's searchlight exposing his hidden motives. If a king is kind, honest and fair, his kingdom stands secure. The glory of young men is their strength; of old men, their experience."

It's important to pray for our leaders, so I hope these encourage and guide. Finally, in Chapter 21 I will end with only the first verse. It is my standby for those who lead us, as it emphasizes what I have only expressed in the above verses and shared from an older woman's perspective and gained knowledge: 

"Just as water is turned into irrigation ditches, 

so the Lord directs the king's thoughts.

He turns them wherever He wants to."  

I'll leave my valued audience to chew on this last bit of truth and guidance, as the opening verses from Isaiah 26:3-4 are held closely in your hearts.

Now, I'm off to check out The House of David, the new series about the life of King David that my Pastor Greg Laurie assures is the best ever!