The E Word

All through high school Chemistry I wanted to believe that sleeping with my Chemistry book under my pillow would allow the material to seep into my brain.  Not only did I want the facts, I wanted to understand and apply it.  We’ve learned in earlier verses of Proverbs that wisdom comes from the Lord but Proverbs 2:1-5 tells us it’s not a passive transfer, there is action required on our end.

Reading Proverbs 2 reminded me of the discussions I had with my children as they were growing up about one of my favorite words, the E-word:  E-F-F-O-R-T.   Verses 1-5 of Proverbs 2 is filled with words of action: receive, incline, apply, cry out, seek and search.  What does action require?  The E-word.  We don’t put our Bibles under our pillows and wake-up with wisdom.  We must be diligent about searching His Word, asking or pleading with Him in prayer for His help in understanding and storing those truths in our hearts.

Is seeking God still exciting to you?  Proverbs 2:4b says: “… search for it as for hidden treasures”.  If someone told you that there was a treasure buried in your backyard would you spend your time and resources to find it?  Wouldn’t it be exciting?  Would you have a sense of urgency, almost a desperation to find the treasure?  God wants us to seek him with that same urgency, that same desire, devoting our time and resources to find our greatest treasure.

“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:10-11 ESV) This Psalm is my prayer for all of us.  Let us be willing to make the effort to continue to grow in our knowledge of our Lord and Savior.

Brenda Wooff