11th. July. 2022.Daily Devotions.
Proverbs 2:6-7
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose way of life is blameless.
The search for wisdom is compared to looking for valuable things like “silver” and “hidden treasure” When we receive this wisdom from the Lord, it gives us success and protection. Indeed, the Lord “is a shield to those whose walk is blameless” Shields are valuable defensive instruments— they offer protection from an attack, creating a barrier between you and the attacker.
The ancient audience of Proverbs would have recognized the importance of a defensive weapon in actual hand-to-hand combat. They would surely hear echoes of the promises God made both to Abraham, “I am your shield” (Gen. 15:1) and the wilderness generation just before they entered the Promised Land “He [the Lord] is your shield and helper and your glorious sword” (Deut. 33:29). God was their shield, their divine protector. He had gone before them into dangerous situations. He had protected them from their enemies.
As with the ancient Israelites, and with us today, God is a shield to those who seek Him and fear Him. Whatever may come our way—and Jesus promises that we will experience both sorrow and difficulty—we can trust that God will be our shield.
Think about how God has protected you as you’ve served Him. Thank Him today for His promise of protection and for the ways He has shielded you from harm. ~ R. Meek.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil” (Ps. 23:4). Thank You for protecting us spiritually and physically, from dangers known and unknown.
Prayer for the Day
Lord, may I always remember that no matter the day and whatever hardship I face, you are with me, extending your hand in love. Help me to be open to your guidance, knowing that you want what is best for me, only asking in return sorrow for my sins and my willingness to do good. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
For Strength of Faith
Heavenly Father, every life has its trials, and I have my share. Help me to see the challenges of life as opportunities to test my sincere and single-minded faith and to grow, and endure, and persist despite obstacles in my path. For people who have it easy in life develop no strength. As you have told us, the flower of wealth and fame is short-lived, for the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers it, and its petals fall, and its beauty is gone.
Give me confidence and strength in my faith, Lord, for the reward you give to your faithful is true joy and will never fade but will remain when all flesh has been corrupted and all the things of earth have faded. Let me hold strong and steadfast through every trial and every temptation. All praise and glory to you, mighty God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Make your home with me today and every day of my life; be with me in all I do. Amen.
O Lord our God, you rule over all things, and you accomplish all things. You never remove your hands from your works, nor ever shall. Guide us, we pray, with the power and the wisdom with which, from the beginning, you have loved and made all things; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ Julian of Norwich (c.1343-c.1416)
