A formula for finding wisdom—and maybe even sleeping better!
By Dean Collins
Nearly every night I step out onto my deck and look up at the stars, and I think I can feel the same things David declared in Psalm 8:
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”
Little ole me standing in awe of just a glimpse of God’s creative masterpiece! As I stand there, I often find myself spontaneously giving God praise. And then I consider that the Creator of the universe hears our prayers!
Praying for wisdom
David’s son must have been thinking of what his father, King David, had taught him when he spoke of the fear of the Lord in the book of Proverbs. While there are numerous references to the fear of the Lord in Scripture, today I’m focusing on two verses, Proverbs 14:26-27.
How many times have you prayed for wisdom? I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve prayed that prayer. Maybe you have, too. Faithful followers of God know that we should not and cannot walk the rocky pathways of life unless God gives us wisdom. Life is filled with so many challenges, and they seem to come in unlimited supply. Without God’s wisdom, we have little hope of navigating this life on earth successfully.
Solomon learned that wisdom begins not simply by requesting it. Wisdom begins at the intersection of realizing how powerful and wonderful God is with how small we are in comparison. Standing in awe of God (that is, the fear of him), is the beginning of wisdom according to the wise king.
And that’s not all these verses tell us. Not only can we gain wisdom; we also receive confidence in our walk with God throughout our lives. Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon realized this. And so, we too can be strong and courageous not because of our abilities, but because God grants us confidence as we rely completely on him.
Acknowledging my weakness
In recent weeks I have learned the importance of continually acknowledging my weakness and my full dependence on God. I have watched God provide strength, wisdom, resources, and peace through very difficult moments. He gives us strong confidence to continue our work when we continue to recognize his glory and creative power. It is important to remember that God still possesses the same amount of glory and creative power today as he did when he said, “Let there be light.” God is living and active and never stagnant.
Standing in awe of God also brings refuge both to us and to our children. We must be careful to help our children and grandchildren know that God is the one who gives us strength. We are not self-made, and we should hope our children never think otherwise. We have a responsibility to teach them that our hope, our refuge, our strength, and ultimately our lives are in the hands of God.
Living in awe
Solomon declared that living in awe of God connects us to the fountain of life. Jesus said he is the vine and we are the branches. Only God can bring life and sustain life. And in the hands of God, we escape eternal death and enter into eternity where we will enjoy his presence forever.
So today, or maybe tonight, go outside and take in the majesty of the universe that God created for us. Breathe in its beauty and declare praise to the creator of the universe. Not only will you find wisdom, confidence, and refuge. You will also sleep better tonight.
Father, we stand in awe of you today and gratefully declare your praise. Forgive us for the many times we allowed the challenges and obstacles we face to make us fearful. Today we choose to put all of our trust in you and declare that you are sufficient in every way. Give us peace and confidence today as we follow you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your time with God’s Word
Proverbs 9:10; 14:26-27; Psalm 8:3-4; Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV
Photo by Shovit Chhetri at Pexels.com
