Today’s scripture: Proverbs 21:1-10 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Melody Merida):
I received the all too familiar email inquiring about the lateness of my Be Still and Know entry. Would it be written soon? That was a question for which I too wanted to know the answer. For days I had pored over the words in Proverbs and felt absolutely no inspiration to write about them. Nothing at all — zip, zilch, nada.
For the life of me I couldn’t figure out why I got nothing from the text, then it hit me; I got nothing from the text because I kept thinking of ways in which these proverbs do not always ring true. For example, is it always true that the plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance? Or is it always true that the violence of the wicked will sweep them away? Or that the king’s heart is turned by the will of the Lord?
Sometimes what the proverbs make seem simple — life — is really difficult. Sometimes things don’t work out the way they are supposed to, no matter how hard we try to do the right thing. Sometimes people who make very bad decisions and hurt a lot of people seem to get the best life has to offer. Sometimes bad things happen to good people.
That brings me back to my starting place, where there was what seemed like no inspiration. In reality, what I was inspired to remember is that when all else fails, even the trusted Proverbs, God’s constant love remains. Even when things don’t work out the way they are supposed to, God’s love remains. Even when the bad decisions of others hurt me, God’s love remains. Even when the rulers of this world use violence and war as a tool for wealth and control, God’s love remains. And because of that abiding love we can have peace even if the world around us is falling apart. I know this to be true because I’ve experienced it; I hope you have too.
Thought for the day: When even the scriptures fail to speak to your truth, trust that God’s love for you will always be true. May that inspire you!
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.