Today’s scripture: Proverbs 5:15-23 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
I am sure I have written on this subject before, but I have to admit that today’s verse seemed to drive home a key point relating to my current life situation. Being single is the pits!
When I first read Solomon’s encouraging words to his son I had to ask, what does this mean for me? On the surface this verse sounds like excellent advice for married couples but me writing about being married would be like Paula Deen giving advice to vegetarians — I know nothing about it! So I was forced to dig a little deeper and really examine this scripture to find what God would have for me here.
Being a restless single person, I find myself constantly trying to make relationships happen. I’m not much for nightclubs, so most of my social interactions happen at work, at church, at the gym, or online. It is amazing how many friends you can accumulate through Facebook and twitter and never have any actual face-to-face interaction! The rise of sites like match.com and eHarmony has made the internet prime stomping ground for folks searching for companionship. The internet can be one very large singles bar and a formidable distraction from the realities of our daily existence.
Having an online social life isn’t a bad thing. But for me the question becomes, am I putting my faith in God or in match.com?
When I read today’s verse I hear Solomon telling his son that God has provided a beautiful spouse for you. I’m grateful I serve a God who has a life of abundance for me. All that I want and need flows from God. Philippians 4:19 says “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
So why do we go to the world and seek after those things that God is happy to provide? I believe God would rather I drink water from my own cistern, and cherish the running water from my own well of bountiful blessings instead of hopelessly spinning my wheels on the information superhighway.
Finally Solomon gives an ominous warning in verse 21 “For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths.” When we go to God in prayer we may say something like, “God, send me a spouse,” but then the first chance we get we are busy trying to turn a random person into that spouse. Solomon says that God sees all and examines our path.
So, does what we say to God match what we do? I don’t know about you, but mostly everything I have ever tried to do without God has ended up in epic catastrophic failure. I believe I have officially grown tired of trying to do things my way. Its time to take my hands off this wheel and let God drive the happily-ever-after car!
Thought for the day: Who’s driving?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.