The Work of Wisdom

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – (Psalm 90:12, NIV)

Teach us how short our lives are so that we can become wise. – (Psalm 90:12, ERV)

Teach us to number our days so that we may truly live and achieve wisdom. – (Psalm 90:12, VOICE)

The older I get, the more aware I become of just how short life truly is. Each day is a gift, and we either learn and grow as we go, or life passes us by. Wisdom is the work of God in us as we seek Him to teach us more of who He is and how He calls us to love. To gain a heart of wisdom, we must be intentional to seek the Lord in all things and to trust Him as He walks beside us and leads us in the directions we are meant to go. This does not transpire overnight, but rather is a lifelong process. God has gifted me with access to wise women who have a few years more life experience than me to bless, encourage, challenge and model what it is to ever grow in wisdom. Each are acutely aware that every single day is a gift to be treasured, and their faithfulness models what an ongoing pursuit of wisdom in Him looks like. My hope for the coming year is to ever seek the Lord to grow in His wisdom so that I may walk out my days according to His purpose.

Please teach me, O Lord,

To number my days;

To grow in wisdom,

And walk in Your ways.

I need Your guidance,

Each day that I wake;

To love as You love,

And learn from mistakes.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

That all that life brings;

Can be used for good,

Because You’re the King.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we grow and trust You more, we gain wisdom and insight in You. Thank You that You are faithful to show us how You can work all things together for our good, even when our circumstances are not. Forgive us for being flippant with our time and for the times that we have delayed in seeking You. Show us how to turn to You first in all things, and to listen to Your leading. Help us to love those around us as You do, so that all might gain glimpses of Your goodness and love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we recognize the gift that each new day brings and choose to seek You with intention so that we may continue to grow in wisdom as we go. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Reverence for the Eternal is the first step toward wisdom. All those who worship Him have a good understanding. His praise will echo through eternity! – Psalm 111:10

Reckless Words

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise bring healing. – (Proverbs 12:18)

 

All of us, at one time or another, have likely been both the issuer and the recipient, of reckless words. Growing up, the saying, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” somehow stuck and was on constant replay whenever unkind words came my way. I found solace in silence, as I retreated from recklessness. Still, it took being surrounded by tender wisdom, where words of encouragement flowed freely, before healing truly began to happen.

 

Today, I find the same to still be true. Community is critical, and I am called to surround myself with wise women who can speak truth, when the world tries to do otherwise. I too, am to do the same for all whom I encounter. If I cannot speak light and life to another, then I am not meant to speak at all. God is faithful to provide both words and opportunity to extend encouragement, if only I make myself available to hear His heart for others.

 

When reckless words,

pierce like a sword;

hear God’s own heart,

wisdom’s accord.

Tongue of the wise,

brings healing, hope;

encouragement,

to stay afloat.

As hearts are healed,

they too, speak life;

disarming swords,

an end to strife.

Let His light shine,

through spoken word;

may God’s own heart,

be the voice heard.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Source and Supply. Thank You that You bring healing and forgiveness when reckless words are spoken, and You grant wisdom so that we too, might be Your voice of truth that offers healing to the hurting. Forgive us for our reckless words, thoughts and deeds, and grant us wisdom to slow down and seek You before we speak or act in anger. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times. Let Your love be what shines through us to all whom we encounter. May many come to know Your saving grace, as they enter into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified through the words we speak, and may they bring life and healing to all. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. – I Peter 2:19