Tag Archives: the book of Proverbs

“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”  (Proverbs 16:32, NIV)

Activity is often overrated.  Because of this, we confuse movement with productivity.

Although most of us love to be seen as “proactive,” “energetic,” “take-charge,” or “engaging”; we need to know that the Lord values other adjectives more highly: “Patient,” “long-suffering,” “self-possessed,” and “peaceable.”

Many things we choose to “force” in life would come to us with far less struggle and strife were we only to wait on the Lord.  Recall the times in your life when you moved on something — or someone — just because you could; or because you wanted to “show-off.”  In many of those instances, couldn’t you have achieved the same result with far less energy, drama, or pain to others?

All true warriors know that the best victory is the one that is gained without having to go into battle.

Wait on the Lord.  He opens doors that no one can shut; and He closes doors that no one can open.  – Luther

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“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.”  (Psalm 3:5, NIV)

The close of each day provides us the opportunity to rest, reflect, and re-engage.

The writer of this psalm (David) wrote it while on the run from his son Absalom (a rogue child if ever there was one). See 2 Samuel, Chapter 15, for the background.

In critical times, we are reminded of our fragility.  We awake from our slumber only because God awakens us.  We live, only because God sustains us.

However, we need also to remember that God sustains us when life is sweet and everyone is at peace with us.  In every circumstance, give thanks to God for his grace.  – Luther

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