Pastor Derek’s Devotional Journal
Scripture: Proverbs 2:1-5 NLT
1My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. 2Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. 3Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. 4Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. 5Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.
What is the writer saying?
Those who read and consider Solomon’s writings are considered by him to be his offspring. Therefore, he invites us to value these commands as a treasure. As we do that, we will block out those things that interfere (however briefly) and focus exclusively on the wisdom we find and we will concentrate on gaining understanding. We will cry out for both insight and understanding. We will search through these scriptures as we would for hidden treasure. For only as we discover and understand the wisdom of these teachings, will we gain knowledge of God and understand what it means to fear Him.
How does this apply to my life?
Sometimes I only casually skim God’s Word, the Bible to find those things that are convenient. Today I am reminded that each word and verse in the Bible is a nugget of treasure of inestimable worth. Just as a radio tuner blocks out all other signals so that we might listen to the broadcast on a single frequency, I must practice the fine art of tuning out distractions so that I might focus exclusively on God and His truth so that He might speak to me day by day. Only then will I gain a more mature understanding of who He is and what His will is for my life. May my reverence for the Father grow deeper with each passing day. For herein is the greatest treasure of God’s Word – that I might know Him!
My prayer:
Adonai, God, My Master, How easy it is to ignore your greatness and your right to be my master. How often I try to run my own life rather than living the life of a servant. So this day I acknowledge that you are my God and my master. You are my Adonai. Teach me more about you: your nature; your character; your will for my life. Give me understanding and insight, I pray, that will better enable me to understand the challenges I face today and your plan for me and for others as I face these challenges.
Your servant.