A Friend In The Fight
July 18, 2024
DAILY PROVERB:
Proverbs 17:16-19
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:
Which of these two scenarios do you think would be easier: to fight with someone you don’t like and devise a plan to outwit and beat them, or to overcome an intense passion within our own self? If we are all honest, we would have to say that fighting our own self-will is the hardest battle of all.
To overcome my own selfish desires and live for Christ and His desires may, at times, seem difficult. Learning to forfeit our own will may often come through years of trial and error. It sometimes takes days, weeks, and even months of prayer, asking the Lord for strength and wisdom to give up and overcome these strongholds in our lives.
Sometimes we find our best friendships are developed during such times. In a time of great trial, a friend may come alongside and share their struggles with you. Christ, who is our best friend, brought this person to you. He knew they had a piece of wisdom you needed at this time in your life.
Old age does not always bring wisdom. Many kings and rulers, who were not righteous men, used their power and might to topple nations. Yet they never learned how to control their internal desires within themselves. Ultimately, their own selfish passions and cravings would often be what would destroy them, and many times hurt the lives of those around them.
True wisdom is found in a long-lasting relationship with God. Like any other relationship, this takes time. It takes commitment to one another. It takes an understanding of the other’s desires. It takes love for one another. God knows you perfectly already. We just need to get to know God better. A long, slow walk with God in the midst of a trial brings contentment, which is simply incomprehensible to a lost world.
THE WORD WALKING IN ME:
You can take your chances and make deals with man, or as our passage says, strike hands with the world if you want. However, the ends of all matters are in the hands of God. I will take my chances and place my life in God’s hands.
Where will you place your life today?
IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:
Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?
Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?
What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?
GOD TALKING TO ME: July 18, 2024
THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
Song of Solomon 1 – Song of Solomon 4
Proverbs 17:16 – 19
THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
Esther 5-10
Acts 17
“Getting people into the Word of God…
…and the Word of God into people.”
Romans 10:17
Dr. Franklin J. Senters Th.D.
Founder and Executive Director
Hebrews 2:12
Author: admin
Author of LIHW Daily Devotions, and President of Living In His Word Ministries.
