We are being spoiled with beautiful weather here in Indiana right now. I’m writing this from my back porch, enjoying a gentle breeze and the sound of autumn leaves falling through the trees all around me.
As peaceful as this moment feels, the reality is that life is a bit chaotic for me right now.
I’ve been thinking about how God is using this weekly commitment to write to you. It’s given me some external accountability to stay in His Word, and I’m convinced that’s part of why, even with everything going on, my inner man is stronger than it’s been in a long time.
This week, I’m sharing two thoughts I’ve been carrying with me. I pray they’ll encourage and challenge you as they have me.
A Burdened Soul and a Fixed Heart
Have you ever felt weighed down by life’s circumstances, even while trying to trust God?
David did.
Not King David. At least not yet. Promised king, yes, but when he wrote Psalm 57, he was hiding in a cave.
In verse 6, David gives us a glimpse of his distress: “My soul is bowed down.”
But in the very next verse, he declares something twice that might surprise you:
“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed.”
David’s circumstances weren’t settled, but somehow, in the middle of the chaos, his heart was.
How could he be so confident?
Verse 3 may provide the answer. David trusted God to send help from heaven. What would that help look like? The psalm doesn’t tell us. But David knew something about the God he trusted:
“God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.”
Mercy speaks of God’s steadfast love and loyal kindness. Truth speaks of His faithfulness and reliability.
I doubt you’re reading this from a cave, but perhaps life is weighing you down today.
Keep looking to Heaven.
You may not know how your circumstances will unfold, but you can know the character of the God you’re trusting.
What I’m carrying:
A burdened soul and a steadfast heart can exist at the same time.
Generational Wisdom
In my line of work, I sometimes hear people talk about building generational wealth. They want their children and grandchildren to have a financial head start and long-term security.
I have no problem with generational wealth, but reading Proverbs this week got me considering generational wisdom.
Money can be transferred through an inheritance, but wisdom must be taught, modeled, and personally embraced.
What good is a financial head start if we haven’t helped the next generation develop the wisdom to use it well?
Proverbs 24:3–4 tells us:
“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
A strong home requires more than the resources we leave behind. It requires wisdom in the lives of those who live there.
What I’m carrying:
How am I teaching and modeling wisdom to my children?
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today!
I’d love to hear from you. Is there something God has been teaching you lately? Or maybe something you’re learning to trust Him with? Just hit reply and let me know. I read every response, and I’d enjoy hearing what’s going on in your life.
As many of you know, I’m teaching through 1 Samuel in our Sunday School class. This week, we looked at chapter 23 and discussed three responses to God’s will.
You can listen to the lesson on the Committed Way Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, or find it on our website.
Have a great week!
Brad