Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

Read

Proverbs 12:22-28 (NRSV)

Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
but those who act faithfully are his delight.
One who is clever conceals knowledge,
but the mind of a fool broadcasts folly.
The hand of the diligent will rule,
while the lazy will be put to forced labor.
Anxiety weighs down the human heart,
but a good word cheers it up.
The righteous gives good advice to friends,
but the way of the wicked leads astray.
The lazy do not roast their game,
but the diligent obtain precious wealth.
In the path of righteousness there is life,
in walking its path there is no death.

Reflect

Anxiety. What a word! You’d think it was a modern invention. These days we’re all anxious about something—work, relationships, politics, etc. We tend to reflect on the “good old days” and place a golden cast to those memories. But people had worries then, too. In fact, as long as humans have stood upright they have had anxiety.

This Old Testament passage still hits home and the truths it conveys are as relevant now as they were thousands of years ago. Yes, we’ve progressed as a species in some ways, but in others we are exactly the same as the people of Solomon’s time. Modern worries are not more intense, it’s just that now we are aware of so much more suffering and discontent in the world. Sometimes I wonder if having this knowledge is a blessing or a curse. Either way, there is one constant that has spanned the millennia—God.

This passage doesn’t sugar coat the messiness of life. It simply states that in following the path of righteousness you’ll find life. Following God doesn’t mean you’ll live a charmed existence. You’ll still have to deal with anxious moments, people trying to take advantage of you, having to decipher good advice from bad—but the best advice is to run everything through your “God” filter—God’s Word. Remember Christ’s admonition: “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). Put your worries and your trust in God.

Pray

Lord, bring us your peace amidst our chaotic lives. Give us your wisdom to help us follow the path of the righteous. Ease our worried minds and spirits. For this, we give you praise and pledge our lives. Amen.

Go with God.