tree of life

Friday, May 5, 2017 (7:20 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. Hi. How are You? Hmm, yes. How rarely do I stop to consider how You are. Thank You Father. Yes, thank You that one question can lead to so many places in Your Testaments.

First I was introduced to the word deference. “Humble submission and respect.” Yes Father, I come before You, yielding to Your wisdom. Your guidance.

The root here takes us in one of two directions. Firstly: postpone, put off, delay. Secondly: yield to, submit to, surrender to. My thinking was toward the second. Your Word guided me to the first.

Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Oh, yes Sir! Isn't that the truth!

Following “tree of life” I come to Proverbs 3:18, (Names of God Bible). “Wisdom is a tree of life for those who take firm hold of it. Those who cling to it are blessed.”

So true Blessed Father. So true!

And this is where You find me. Searching for You. Your wisdom. Your Truth.

A Serenity Prayer Devotional (The Life Recovery Bible) confirms the benefits of turning to You. “As we change our focus and begin to seek after wisdom, we will find our life more fulfilled and secure. Godly wisdom will also help us avoid the destructive paths we have previously taken as we tried to fulfill our unmet needs and desires.”

Mm, yes, Father. I look to You to meet our needs.

Illustrated Bible Handbook titles PROVERBS The Book of Wise Sayings. Chapters 1-9. In Praise of Wisdom The benefits of wisdom: 1:8-4:27... “Relationship with God is critical for God is to be trusted in making life's choices, not our own understanding [v. 3:5]. As God is acknowledged, and His ways are followed, 'He will make your paths straight' [v. 6].”

Wisdom. Tree of life. Straight paths. Yes Father, I seek, acknowledge and defer to You. Asking You to guide and direct my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. I love You. Continue Your blessed, holy work in, through, by, for and with me. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(361 words ~ 8:55 a.m.)