Some things I read in Proverbs this morning

Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord, and turn from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV)
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Proverbs 3:11-12 (ESV)
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves as a father the son in whom he delights.

I so often need refreshment that goes down to the bone. The old man, the flesh, still, at times, wants to rear it’s head and assert it’s understanding and wisdom, birthing either fear or arrogance as a consequence, but trust in the Lord grows each day as we engage His word and submit to it. As trust grows, so does humility, so does a peace. Circumstances, though often difficult, are not events to be endured stoically for the sake of showing our strength.

1 Peter 1:6-9 (ESV)

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith-more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.