For the next four weeks we invite our readers to begin reading through Proverbs 3:1-35 as our reflections will be focused on the theme, Finding Wisdom Through Trusting and Obeying God. We will break for 7 weeks of Lenton focus, and then return to Proverbs 3, finishing with this passage in July.
Listen:
My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. (Proverbs 3:1-2)
Reflect:
When I was doing the Year-End Examen a few weeks ago (a spiritual practice that we have in Lifesprings at the end of each year, you can read more about it on our website) I found some of my old journals – random scribblings, thought processes and surprising beauty, trust and joy in and in between the lines.
Reading some pages here and there from over the years made me realize how easily I forget. Even the most memorable and fantastic experiences can be forgotten, although in that very moment it feels impossible. I forgot about the trips I took to the Czech Republic in the early 2000s and how formative they were. I forgot about my trip to Disneyland that somebody gifted me with, when I felt like the most loved person on this planet. I forgot about the car crash when somebody hit our car and it was God’s grace that we were all fine. I forgot about how much I suffered because this one young man did not like me back…so much good, so much amazing, so much hard, so much waiting, so much mundane and so much out of the ordinary – forgotten.
God seems to be very preoccupied with us remembering – remembering who he is and what he has done – because he knows that we so easily forget. And this directly affects our faith and trust in him. I see it in my life that forgetting is often directly tied to a raised level of anxiety and lesser trust. So I’ve been intentional in helping my mind and my soul remember the goodness of God, because I find myself keeping his commandments more easily and naturally when I do so – they are not a “have to” or “should”, but rather a love-response to a loving God.
Prayer of Response:
My generous God, you have been faithful over the years and I keep forgetting the little and the big things where you were present and generous with me. Help me remember your goodness and grow in my trust, surrender and obedience. Amen.
Questions to Ponder:
- What are some practices and rhythms that help you remember God’s goodness?
- Do you see a direct correlation in your life between remembering God’s goodness and provision and your level of trust and faith? Can you think of one area where you are experiencing this?
Breath Prayers:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): I remember
Exhale (Breathe out): your extravagant goodness and love.
(Repeat)
—Submitted by: Diana Anton
Diana lives in Bucharest, Romania and serves as the Executive Director of Lifesprings International and her passion is to see women worldwide connected, encouraged and prepared to keep bringing the love of Jesus Christ to our communities.
She loves long walks (on the beach are even better!) with her little family and loves to read children’s books. You can find her on instagram at life.on.farm.road or on her blog atwww.lifeonfarmroad.com.