Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. – Psalm 62:5

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. – Psalm 62:5

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken (62:1-2).

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. – Psalm 62:5

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. – Psalm 62:5

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.
Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely (63:1-8).

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. – Psalm 62:5

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. – Psalm 62:5

“For the godly, every adversity in life is an occasion for growth in trust.”

This is a quote from the NLT Study Bible put out by Tyndale. It is found in the section of Psalms where we hear from David while Saul is in pursuit of him. David is hiding and calls out to God to rescue him from his enemies. You hear the strong emotions David is experiencing during this time but you also hear his faith. In the midst of the difficulties, David calls out to God with a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. It is with this thankful heart that David’s hard times cause his faith and trust in God to increase.

But what’s his secret? How did David allow the hard times to cause his faith to grow instead of causing himself to distance from God? In order for every adversity in our life to become an occasion for growth, it would help to know David’s secret.

Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me?…
God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave…
I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.
I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.
I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done.
I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people. – Psalm 49:5,15; 52:8-9

An olive tree lives a very long life when it is well cared for. David sees himself as an olive tree that is remaining close to its caregiver – in the house of God. By staying close to God, David is remaining close to the source of his faith. This is a commitment he has made – to live a life of trust in the Lord.

God is my helper…
You have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies…
I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me.
Morning, noon and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.
He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me,
though many still oppose me.
God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them. – Psalm 54:4,7; 55:16-19

Remaining close to the source of his faith, David communicates with God. He tells God how he is feeling and brings all of his difficulties to the One who can rescue him from any situation. By remaining close to God and in constant communication with his Savior, David’s trust in the Lord grows even during difficult times.

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you…
My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.
This I know: God is on my side!
I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me? – Psalm 55:22; 56:9-11

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.
I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me…
My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
Wake up, my heart!
Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth. – Psalm 57:1-2,7-11

David’s secret can be my secret – remaining close to God, communicating with God and having confidence that God will fulfill His purpose in me.

You are my strength;
I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress…
But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Every morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love. – Psalm 59:9,16-17

The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. 24:5

King Solomon has three more areas in which he gives advice in his book of Proverbs. The first is regarding friendships – the value of a good friend and how to be a good friend.

A friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help in time of need (17:17).

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;
a wise person wins friends (11:30).

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close friends (17:9).

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends (16:28).

An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars (18:19).

There are “friends” who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother (18:24).

Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts (19:6).

Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend (22:11).

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense (27:9).

Never abandon a friend— either yours or your father’s (27:10a).

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend (27:17).

King Solomon also warned of the dangers of alcohol, that alcohol is not a friend for the wise.

Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise (20:1)

Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?
Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?
Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns,
trying out new drinks.
Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is,
how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake;
it stings like a viper.
You will see hallucinations,
and you will say crazy things.
You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast.
And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it.
I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.
When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?” – Proverbs 23:29-35

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine.
Rulers should not crave alcohol.
For if they drink, they may forget the law
and not give justice to the oppressed (31:4-5).

Justice for the oppressed – this is the third area that King Solomon speaks of. As I read through these proverbs, the issue of abortion comes to my mind.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice (31:8-9).

Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”
For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
He will repay all people as their actions deserve (24:12).

There are six things the LORD hates—
no, seven things he detests:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong,
a false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord in a family (6:16-19).

But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.
If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. – Psalm 50:23

We have so much to be thankful for this morning. We serve a generous and wonderful God. I thank Him for the work He has done and continues to do in my heart and in my life. To God be all praise!!!

Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin.
For I recognize my rebellion;
it haunts me day and night.
Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Look with favor on Zion and help her;
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit—
with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings.
Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar. – Psalm 51

King Solomon was given wisdom and he, in turn, introduces us to wisdom by personifying her. He gives us a visual picture as he shows us that she (wisdom) is taking her stand at the crossroads, where we need her the most. When we are at a point of decision and we need wisdom more than we need our next breath, there she is. And this is what we can hear her crying out to us:

“I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people.
You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some understanding.
Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.

“And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the LORD.
But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death.” – Proverbs 8:4-36

Instruct the wise, and they will be wiser.
Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. – Prov. 9:9

This morning, as I again sit at the feet of wise King Solomon and share my morning coffee with the Lord, I find myself asking for wisdom – for insight and understanding. Solomon speaks in Proverbs of several different kinds of women: the immoral woman, the gossip, quarrelsome wife, the understanding wife and the virtuous woman.

Rather than going down the straight path designed by God, the immoral woman is described as caring nothing for the path of life but instead staggering down a crooked trail. Her lips appear sweet as honey, her speech smoother than oil, but in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword (5:3-6). Solomon warns his readers to avoid the trap she lays, for sexually immorality will lead to destruction. It is like playing with a flame on your lap, hoping that your clothes will not catch on fire (6:27).

Drink water from your own well – share your love only with your wife…
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts satisfy you always.
May you always be captivated by her love. – Proverbs 5:15,18-19

O my son, give me your heart.
May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is a s dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful (23:26-27).

And then there is the woman who loves to gossip, using her mouth to seduce the mind of others – to influence them to think negatively of others. She goes around telling secrets (11:13), planting seeds of strife and separating the best of friends (16:28). So don’t hang around with these chatterers (20:19). Only wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip and liars pay special attention to this slander (17:4). A gossiping tongue causes anger (25:23) and ruins reputations, including that of the person gossiping (25:10). When we listen to rumors, we allow them to sink deep into our heart (26:22).

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. – Proverbs 26:20

It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife (21:19).

These are both pretty powerful proverbs to digest in my morning coffee today. But my heart desires to be an understanding wife and not one who uses my words to gossip, quarrel or complain. It is good for me to listen closely to the wisdom of King Solomon. This is how he describes the quarrelsome wife:

It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home (25:24)…A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day. Stopping her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or trying to hold something with greased hands (27:15-16).

Ouch! That is definitely not who I want to be. Yes, King Solomon, I will listen to this advice:

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble (21:23).

Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife (19:14).

That is who I want to be – an understanding wife that my husband sees as a gift from the Lord. King Solomon ended his book of Proverbs with the description of just such a wife – the virtuous wife.

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. – Proverbs 31:10-31

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
They have no idea what they are stumbling over.
My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. – Proverbs 4:18-27

In his quest to help us find wisdom and in order that we might gain insight, King Solomon warns us to choose righteousness and to run from sinful ways. There is a straight path that is safe, but to wander off of the road marked out for us is dangerous. We should avoid evil and everything related to it, especially in our speech. To choose a life of sin is unwise.

For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.
An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. – Prov. 5:21-22

Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
The prudent carefully consider their steps.
The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. 14:15-16

We plunge ahead with our own plans, with our own ideas of what is the right life for us. We try to create a new road, one we think will bring us the most joy. But there is no greater joy than to commit everything to the Lord and let Him determine our direction and path.

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed…

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? 20:24

That verse describes me well. Why do I attempt to understand all the details along the way? Lord, guide my heart, direct my steps. May I have a heart that genuinely seeks you before I make any step. Lord, help me to trust you more. Keep my heart on the right course.

The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. 21:1-2

My child, listen and be wise:
Keep your heart on the right course. 23:19

Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
Their ears are open for knowledge. – Proverbs 18:15

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. – Proverbs 19:20

Remember when you brought your first newborn baby home? I prayed God would teach me how to be a good parent. And then being a parent of a toddler was a whole new experience of calling on God for patience and wisdom. I learned a new level of trust when I dropped my daughter off for her first day of school, let her go on her first date, handed her the keys to the car. Being a parent is an incredible experience, but definitely one that leaves us feeling unequipped and unprepared at times. I am so thankful for godly advice and words of wisdom.

Solomon, son of David, had quite a few words of wisdom for parents and for children in his book of Proverbs. He gives us great advice on how to be the child and how to be the parent – words that never grow useless.

My child, listen when your father corrects you.
Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck (1:8-9).

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad (29:17).

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. – Proverbs 1:1-7

This is quite an introduction to the book of Proverbs. Solomon followed his father David as King, which would have been big shoes to fill. He called on the Lord, offering 1000 burnt offerings at Gibeon. The Lord responded to Solomon reaching out to Him with these words, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” – 1 Kings 3:5

Now this was not God’s immediate response. It came to Solomon that night in a dream. Solomon called on God, offered 1000 burnt offerings and then walked home having heard nothing from God. But waiting on God’s timing was worth it because GOD SHOWED UP with a very generous offer for Solomon. Solomon’s request was humble. He felt like a little child in this new position as king – unprepared and unequipped. He went to the Giver of all good gifts, offered his own gifts to Him, and then asked for God to make him into everything God might want him to be.

“…Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” – 1 Kings 3:9

That’s a great question: “Who, by himself, is able?” I know I am not. I know that I could use a generous outpouring of wisdom and understanding from God. So yes, Solomon, I take you up on this offer to be taught wisdom and to be given insight. I will listen to these proverbs in a desire to become wiser. Give me guidance, teach me discipline, and help me know what is right, just and fair. I come humbly to the giver of all good gifts, offering my gifts to Him, and asking for God to make me into everything He might want me to be. For who, by himself, is able?

So I hear wisdom calling, do you?
“Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.” – Proverbs 1:23

Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.
For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.
Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe. – Proverbs 2:3-11

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:1-6

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.
For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. – Proverbs 3:13-15

Sounds great! I’ll take as much as you would like to give me, Lord. And how can I obtain this wisdom? By asking and by seeking, by trusting and by fearing. It is in my relationship with You, God, that I will be blessed with all You have to teach me. I choose to come and listen. I cry out for insight and I ask for understanding. I will search for them as I would for silver, I will seek them like hidden treasure. I will store your commands in my heart, tie them around my neck as a reminder and write them deep within my heart. Lord, I seek your will. Show me which path to take. Amen.

As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him? – Psalm 42:1-2

I relate to those words, to the desire to be near God. He is so faithful to meet me each morning, in the quiet of the house as we share time together…and a cup of my morning coffee. I love that we share every detail of my life and that I can pray to Him for guidance. He has done a work in my heart. I desire to be in the center of His will. I long to hear His voice and have Him guide me in every decision ahead; every unexpected situation that comes my way.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8

Lord, I submit to your plan – I will allow you to guide me down the best pathway for my life.
Advise me, O Lord, and watch over me.

I will trust in You, Lord, and do good.
Then I will live safely in the land and prosper.
I delight in You and You give me my heart’s desire.
I commit everything I do to you, Lord.
I trust in You and You help me.
You make my innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of my cause shine like the noonday sun.
I will be still in Your presence, Lord.
I will wait patiently for You to act (Psalm 37:3-7a).

Your plans for us are too numerous to list.- Psalm 40:5b

You direct my steps, Lord.
You delight in every detail of my life.
Though I stumble, I will never fall, for You hold me by the hand (Psalm 37:23-24).

I will put my hope in You, Lord.
I will travel steadily along Your path (Psalm 37:34a).

I take joy in doing your will, my God,
for your instructions are written on my heart. – Psalm 40:8

Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again – my Savior and my God! – Psalm 42:5

I will not trust in my “bow”.
I will not count on my “sword” to save me.
You are the one who gives me victory.
I will give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name (Psalm 44:6-8).

You are my refuge and my strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
So I will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
I will be still and know that You are God! (Psalm 46:1-3,10a)

Come, everyone! Clap your hands!
Shout to God with joyful praise…
How great is the Lord, how deserving of praise…
Oh God, we meditate on Your unfailing love…
Your right hand is filled with victory…
For that is what God is like.
He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die (Psalm 47:1; 48:1,9a,10b,14).