Wisdom Wednesday

I think for this week's installment of Wisdom Wednesday, I am going to deviate from Proverbs. The purpose of Wisdom Wednesday is more for me than anything else, so I am going to talk about what I have been focusing on the last few days. The one good thing that has come out of this brokenness from our divorce, is the blessing that I have received in my relationship with Christ. I have been stripped of everything that made me secure: my husband, my home, my peace of mind, my self-worth, everything. It's pretty rough when your world comes crashing down around you in an instant, when you never even saw it coming. When someone you loved so very much no longer finds you worthy of their covenant to love, honor, and cherish you. But through all of that, I have been reminded of the One who is faithful. That God's love for me is enough. I find that I constantly have to remind myself of 2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. This verse has been a great source of strength. I had to do some serious repenting because I realized that Joseph was an idol in my life. Yes, marriage is a blessing and so is a husband, but when you find yourself depending on that person for your happiness, self-worth, and security then that person is an idol. When that person is the most important thing in your life and you put that person ahead of your relationship with Christ. Joseph was that for me. He was the most important thing in my life. Now that he is gone, I have fully realized that he is not the end-all, be-all in this life. This world is but temporary. Reading through Romans for Tuesday's Bible Study, where the gospel is just in your face, I was really struck with that I could have nothing in this lifetime and it wouldn't matter. The free gift of salvation offered through Christ is worth anything I could ever gain on this earth. Paul had it right in his letter to the Philippians: Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ - Philippians 3:7-9. Every day I just fall more in more in love with God. I learn new things every single day about just how awesome God really is. James wrote: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - James 1:2-4 Granted, if it was up to me, I would never face any trials in this life. Who wouldn't avoid heartache and pain if they could? All I know to do is have faith in the One who is faithful. Rejoice in the hope that we can be heirs to the Kingdom of God.

Right now I feel like David. My problems go from bad to worse. I miss my quiet, simple life. I came across Psalm 25 the other night and it completely spoke to my heart. I can't escape my problems. I can't escape from what is happening in my life. The wheels have been set into motion and unfortunately, I have been thrust in the middle of what just feels like a nightmare. I just keep praying that God will work everything out for the good. That this is all part of His plan. So I will leave you with this psalm written by David that is titled Teach Me Your Paths in my Bible. It has been my plea this week.

1To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
2O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
3Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
5Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.

6Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!

8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

11For your name’s sake, O LORD,
pardon my guilt, for it is great.
12Who is the man who fears the LORD?
Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
13His soul shall abide in well-being,
and his offspring shall inherit the land.
14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.
15My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.

19Consider how many are my foes,
and with what violent hatred they hate me.
20Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.

22 Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles.