SOAP Journal 04-23-2008 (Proverbs 23:17-18)
Scripture:
Proverbs 23:17-18 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but rather be zealous in fearing the Lord all the time. For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
Observation:
The reverential fear (or even terror) of the Lord is a force for deliverance. It is not seen here as a shield that the righteous hides behind, avoiding the path that leads to sin, but a source of zeal, a whole-hearted seeking after God's heart. The constancy of the seeking is also part of the mix - the advice of the "proverbist" is to be heeded "all the time". The future is thus secured - there is great hope in seeking after the Lord.
Application:
The temptation to envy the "rewards" of those who grab things in this life, or who earn them by the system, is ever there. In an hour that I'm being called to deeper service I must particularly not fall prey to this temptation. With newfound (and newly sustained) zeal I must seek God for therein lies the promise of the future.
Prayer:
Father, let me see the truth of this proverb this day. Show me points of envy and points of anxious thoughts that make me despise my life and long for another, yet not see ITS anxiety and ITS trouble. Grant me contentment and joy in serving You. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Proverbs 23:17-18 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but rather be zealous in fearing the Lord all the time. For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
Observation:
The reverential fear (or even terror) of the Lord is a force for deliverance. It is not seen here as a shield that the righteous hides behind, avoiding the path that leads to sin, but a source of zeal, a whole-hearted seeking after God's heart. The constancy of the seeking is also part of the mix - the advice of the "proverbist" is to be heeded "all the time". The future is thus secured - there is great hope in seeking after the Lord.
Application:
The temptation to envy the "rewards" of those who grab things in this life, or who earn them by the system, is ever there. In an hour that I'm being called to deeper service I must particularly not fall prey to this temptation. With newfound (and newly sustained) zeal I must seek God for therein lies the promise of the future.
Prayer:
Father, let me see the truth of this proverb this day. Show me points of envy and points of anxious thoughts that make me despise my life and long for another, yet not see ITS anxiety and ITS trouble. Grant me contentment and joy in serving You. In Jesus' Name. Amen
posted by Sage @ 1:26 PM
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