Listen

The proverbs of Solomon, King David’s son, from Israel: Their purpose is to teach wisdom and discipline, to help one understand wise sayings. They provide insightful instruction, which is righteous, just, and full of integrity. They make the naive mature, the young knowledgeable and discreet. The wise hear them and grow in wisdom; those with understanding gain guidance. They help one understand proverbs and difficult sayings, the words of the wise, and their puzzles. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:1-7

Think

As a child, Mum used to say to me, “You think you know everything.” That’s not true; I just didn’t always love being told what to do. I wanted a reason why, and without one, I could be stubborn, even rebellious. When I look back now, I know that as her child, my mum loved me, she could see the bigger picture, and she always had my best interests at heart. God bless my mum!

Here in Proverbs, it’s like God is telling us what to do, and sometimes I find myself asking that same question, “Why?” Then I remind myself: I don’t know everything. But I do know, as a child, God loves me, knows the bigger picture, and always has my best interest at heart. I get to choose whether I listen to God’s instructions or not. It’s a question of trust – or to put it another way: faith.

Alex Flannagan

Pray

Dear God, I ask you loud and clear to help me remember I am your child – that you have my best interest at heart. When I want to ask “Why?”, fill my mind with your peace, that I might put my faith in you and follow your wise instructions. I give you thanks for your beautiful creation all around me and the path you have put before me, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go

Go unashamed and proudly, for God made you you.

You are a divine instrument of God’s peace.

No need to overthink it – go and play your song!