Now that is comforting to my soul. Upon my initial reading of these scriptures, years ago, these verses struck a cord of fear in me for I knew I was a double-minded woman. I longed for the wisdom of the Lord yet it seemed as though it would forever be withheld from me; uncertainty reigned in my heart.
I've grown over the years in my walk with the Lord. I've learned a few things by the gentle teaching hand of the Holy Spirit. What used to strike fear in me now brings comfort to my heart. I have learned that it wasn't my Father withholding from me but me not allowing Him to give me His wisdom. The Lord wasn't keeping something good from me rather I was refusing to accept His good and perfect gift (v17). What the Lord was wanting to give to me I refused because doubt and worry consumed me and in this flesh can sometimes be comforting.
Doubting is dangerous to the christian because it clouds our vision. You know the old hymn, "Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me...was blind but now I see"? It is grace that gives us vision, salvation through the blood of Jesus, that we see more clearly, the scriptures are opened wide and new understanding floods our souls. We are alive with Christ and the throne of heaven has been revealed.
And yet we linger in doubt, we waver in lack of understanding, we trip over our intellect, and we fall due to human wisdom. The Lord is always before us wanting to lead us and guide us away from the snares of the enemy. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught. (Prov 3:25-26)
What I have learned over the years is to do just as Proverbs 3:1 tells us to do. My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; (v2) for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.
Doubt is fear. Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. The Lord does not deceive for He cannot lie. (Num 23:19 and Titus 1:2) Thus the Lord is truth (John 14:16) and trustworthy.
When I doubt my focus is no longer on the Lord. I become accutely aware of the possibilities of failure and that can be applied to a myriad of situations. Such as, "I don't have what it takes", "What if I get burned", "They could hurt me". I'm sure you can fill in the blanks with your own thoughts. Doubt is centered on self. Faith is centered on our Almighty God. (Heb 11:1) So when we doubt we move ourselves into a position where we can no longer receive from God because He is no longer reigning in our hearts for we have placed doubt on the throne in our hearts.
There is only one way to get ourselves back before the Lord and that is to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Cor 10: 5) That obedience requires us to take his cross and follow after [Jesus]. (Mat 10:38) Because, "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." (Mat 10:39)
Meditate on these things:
Proverbs 2:1-9
My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
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 uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.
It is comforting to my soul to know that if the Lord gives [wisdom] to all liberally and without reproach, then it shall be done and we can confidently come before our Father and ask for direction in any given thing and He will give it in His time. All we have to do is wait. Isn't that glorious.
Is 30:15
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.
Blessings to you in Christ,
CC
