Hidden in My Heart

A little devotional inspired by my quiet time this morning.

Holy Spirit directed me to read James this morning and it was a perfect reminder and encouragement to remain steadfast under trial. I don't know about you, but these past few weeks have been a little turbulent. I received His word whispered into my heart: "persevere."

In James chapter 1:2-5, I've always read verse five as a separate thought, but this morning I realized, His wisdom was actually the key to persevering. Not necessarily strength or might. Not super high faith - but His wisdom, from His spirit that He pours out generously to those who ask.

I then read Proverbs 2 according to my personal Bible reading plan for this month and elements of the Lord's prayer were illuminated right before my eyes. Let's talk about it:

1. Read Matthew 6:11 | Deuteronomy 8:2-6 | Proverbs 2:6-8

   When Jesus taught to ask the Father for our daily bread, He was acknowledging how the Lord provided manna for the Israelites daily in the wilderness until they made it to the promised land. He was teaching them that man does not live only by bread, but from EVERY word that comes from the mouth of the Lord (Deuteronmy 8:2-6). In Proverbs 2 these words are defined. It is the wisdom He gives generously to protect us and lead through all things.

Proverbs 2:6-8 ESV For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.

2. Read Matthew 6:13 | John 17:15 | Proverbs 2:9-15

   Jesus taught us to pray to not be led into temptation, but be delivered from evil. He himself interceded for us just before His crucifixtion that we would be kept from the evil one. Proverbs 2 reveals how. It's nothing new by the way, I just found it fascinating how all these things fit perfectly together.

Proverbs 2:10-12 ESV for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil...

This Proverb begins with "receive my words", "treasure up my commandments", "listen out for wisdom" "incline your heart to understanding", "call out for insight and understanding," "seek it and search for it." He defines these things, His Spirit, as His word and says they will come into our hearts so that we will be kept from the evil one and walk in the way of good. It does not just happen to us, we have to seek His spirit - wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, might, the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2) like treasure. We have to desire it, and He gives it out us generously when we ask. Not so that we have all the things that we want. Not so that things are made easier for us according to our own understanding, but so that we are made like Him and follow in His ways in all things. This is how Jesus taught us to pray.

Call out for wisdom to dwell in your heart and knowlegde in the depths of your soul. For understanding to guard your way and counsel to order your footsteps. And may the fear of the Lord keep you low before Him that you may yield to His sovereingty in every moment, thought and deed. Hide his word in your heart.

Psalm 119:11 ESV I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.