“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.” Proverbs 3:1-2
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.” Proverbs 3:13-18
Lord God, There is so much in my life that challenges and worries me. It frustrates me and gives me an anxious heart. I find myself praying “if only” prayers to you. “If only” this were different. “If only” I had done this or that. I live with so much fear in my heart and questions in my mind: What if I get sick? What if I lose my job? What if I make a poor decision? What if this happens or that does instead? What if? But Lord Jesus you remove the “if” from my life. You give me life simply because you love me. There was nothing I did, could do, or will do that will get life for me. You simply give it to me only because you love me. You give me life without the threat of taking it away. You give me life and protection no matter what. You promise me a life full of every spiritual blessing that comes from your cross. You promise me a life full of good things from your fatherly hands and out of your Father’s heart for me. You lay out for a sure and certain hope of things to come. Help me to seek and then to find my truest and fullest life in you, dear Jesus. Grant me faith to hold tightly to you. Amen.
What does lady wisdom promise? She promises us life, full life, true life. She urges us to put our God at the very center of our life, to trust in him with all our heart and to lean not on our own understanding. She promises life without the “if”. Can you hear Jesus speaking to you here? “I am come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).