Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Proverbs 29 and Psalm 37

“Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
    but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” (Proverbs 29:18)

This verse has many different translations into English. The Amplified Bible tries to capture the thought expressed in Hebrew by translating it as follows: “Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is the one who keeps the law [of God].”

At it’s heart, the proverb means that when a person or community allows itself to be guided by a revelation of God’s will and wisdom, and when it lives according to that guidance, God’s blessing ensues. But … if a person or community refuses the direction God offers, the end result will be life (individual or communal) that tears itself apart.

Yesterday we spent time looking back and confessing our failings to the Lord. Today, I suggest we spend time listening to God for a clear sense of His word to us for this next season of our lives in 2023. Specifically, I suggest we ask God: “In which particular ways do I need to become more like Jesus in 2023?” Being like Jesus is, after all, the highest vision we could ever have for our lives.

A helpful way to listen to God’s whispered answers to this question is to consider the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ as listed in Galatians 5:22-23. In some ways, this description of the Spirit-filled life is a version of God’s vision for every individual and every community. As one reads slowly through that list and considers one’s life in light of the qualities listed, it might become evident that God is highlighting one or more of them as areas of potential growth.

Lord, as I make the time and put mental, emotional and spiritual energy into this process, please speak to me. Help me to discern the particular ways in which you desire me to become more like Jesus in 2023. In His Name I pray. Amen.