A Lamp for Living an Obedient Life Through Grace

What are you seeking today? Are you seeking God first? Or are you so preoccupied with living your daily life and trying to accomplish your goals?

Following the death of his father, King David, God appeared to King Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 King 3:5-6) Instead of asking for wealth, power, or the destruction of all his enemies, King Solomon asked the Lord to give him a discerning heart to govern God’s people and to distinguish between right and wrong. (1 King 3:6-9)

King Solomon understood that he needed God’s wisdom and guidance in order to lead God’s people. God was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom and guidance. Not only did He grant King Solomon with a discerning heart, but he gave him wealth and honor. (See 1 King 3:10-13)

In the Book of Proverbs, King Solomon shares with us wise words for daily living.

Max Lucado once said, “The Book of Proverbs is a collection of lamps. Not spotlights that blind. Not bonfires that blaze. But lamps. Lamps that do for your heart what the lamps in your house do for your eyes. They chase away the darkness.” 

What a powerful statement! The Book of Proverbs contains many wise counsels for daily living. They shed light to us in our daily walk, as does the whole of scripture, as we see in Psalm 119:10:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – ESV

My Pastor once said: “This verse tells me that when I’m in His word, it will show me where I stand and guide me to what my next step should be.”

However, Proverbs needs to be viewed through the lens of Grace and the finished work of the Cross. Proverbs can very easily become a series of do’s and don’ts, thus becoming formulaic. A sort of step-by-step instruction on how to be right with God. But, here’s the thing:

We ARE ALREADY right with God through our Lord Jesus Christ!

“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man, the many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:19 NIV

Secondly, if we don’t see Proverbs through the lens of Jesus’ finished work on the Cross, we would be seeking righteousness through works (the law) and not but faith (Grace):

“For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s Grace.” Galatians 5:4 NLT

We grow in wisdom and lead fruitful lives, not defeated ones when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and allow the Word to be our daily guide. 

When anxious about tomorrow’s uncertainties, I can run to Proverbs and sit under the light of trust. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your path.” Proverbs 16:3

When facing conflict, I can run to Proverbs and turn on the lamp of patience. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

Is it easy to live a life full of wisdom and rely on our Lord for guidance? No, it is not. But God has provided us with His Word to be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Many years ago, Pastor Joaquin taught us the importance of living a life pleasing to God. 

“Walking out your Christianity isn’t a Sunday morning thing. It’s easy to be a Christian on Sunday, but who are you on Monday? Are you walking out what you’re speaking out? Our lives and our words are a reflection of who we really are and what we really believe.” (Pastor Joaquin Gonzalez)

Kandi Gallaty wrote, “The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself and His truth, and it teaches us how to live for God and share His love with the world.” (The Bible in a Year)

Beloved, no matter what challenges you may face, be encouraged that nothing we face or will encounter will catch God off guard. Our Shepherd is with us and has given us His Word to guide us through the darkest periods in our lives.

But we must remember what He said on the Cross: IT IS FINISHED!

If we live our lives from that standpoint, then walking out what He has worked in us will be far easier.

Lord, Jesus, thank you for Your Word that has been a light that has guided me through the darkest periods in my life. Lord, like Solomon, I pray that you would give me a wise and discerning heart so I may continue to discern right from wrong and keep my eyes on the path you have established so I can run my race and bring you glory. In your name, I praise you and love you, amen!