September 29, 2011

Proverbs 30 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 24:36-44, Hebrews 13:1-8, Isaiah 63-64

Journal Entry

Scripture

Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die:
8 Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
9 lest I be full and deny you and say, "Who is the LORD?"
or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

Observation

In these two particular verses, Agur presents an interesting request to God that he would not be given to neither poverty nor riches. He goes on to elaborate the reasons why he desires to be in a middle state in between the extremes of being either rich or poor. The wisdom in this is clear that in our flesh, when we are full and content, we tend to forget the need for the providence of God and rely on our own strength and abilities. And in poverty we can be tempted to be bitter towards God for not providing enough. But in a middle state, Agur wisely acknowledges to be the best state.

Application

I found these two verses to be very striking in that this is how strive to live my life, yet I struggle with maintaining the balance. Many times I am caught up in the race to attain riches and to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ or in my case, the Kims, Parks, Lees. And at times, I worry that we could lose all that we have attained; a job, a nice home, etc. But the scriptures reminds us that we are to be content in whatever the Lord provides and trust that He will provide for our daily needs and in this state, we are to be filled with thanksgiving and praises to God always. I am reminded of the praise song, " You give and take away, My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name.”

Prayer

Father, thank you for your reminder that we are to be content in you and you alone. I strive to have a thankful heart, for you have provided for all the needs of me and my family. Help me to live out my life according the wisdom provided in these verses, that I would never be too full and deny you, and to fully trust in your daily provisions. Father, may my life be an example onto others, especially to my family that you will be glorified in all things. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

--Henry Yoo