If you listen to me, you will understand how to live in the right way and to be honest and fair. You will always know what is the good and right thing to do.   Proverbs 2:9, English Bible for the Deaf

 

At the beginning of the second chapter of Proverbs, a question is posed: “My child, how can I tell you to understand who God is?” A detailed answer follows.

 

As I understand it, the essence of the answer is this: if you listen to wisdom, truly seek to understand it and constantly pursue it, then you will come to know God better and understand how to serve him.

 

I believe this means that if we continuously seek the right way to act and live, we will also gain a clearer understanding of God’s expectations and his will for our lives. Think about it: if you live as God asks you to live, you will automatically move closer to him, come to know his heart better and experience his love more deeply.

 

When we know him better and live closer to him, we cannot help but serve him in the right way through our actions, through who we are and through the life we live on earth. We become more open to the good guidance he offers and he, ultimately, helps us approach life with true insight.

 

This idea is so liberating. To know that a life closer to God also means a life with clear direction and understanding. I know that living close to God doesn’t mean everything will always be easy or go smoothly. It doesn’t mean you won’t face hardships or sorrow, but knowing God better and living closer to him does mean you don’t have to figure out life’s mysteries on your own and you don’t have to face difficult times alone.

 

Prayer: Lord, help me to turn to your Word so that I may constantly seek you, know you better, and face life with wisdom, insight and your guidance. Amen.