Today marked the first day back to school for my three children. It is exciting and yet hard to believe that we now have a third, sixth and seventh grader. I remember so much about each of those years of my own schooling with so many smiles…. new friends, old friends, new school supplies, lockers, roller skating, sleepovers, Brownie Girl Scouts, and my first involvement with a church youth group, among other memories. I hope that my children will look back at these years and smile, as well.
I was one tired mama after a business trip over the weekend through yesterday and a death in the family Monday. (I told you about my Great Auntie Ruth in the last Memories to Share post.) Because of all of this, I didn’t read today’s reading until after the kids were in school and a few errands were done. I’m glad I got my work done, and I’m glad I tool the time to listen.
Seeing as it is August 13, our reading for today is Proverbs Chapter 13, if you are reading along with me.
Here is what I hear the loudest using the SOAP devotional method:
Scripture:
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
–Proverbs 13: 4
Observation:
The one who doesn’t follow through and do the work might want things, but she won’t get them.
Application:
I can apply this one to so many areas of my life.
At times I get tired. I feel overwhelmed and I just don’t want to follow through and do the work. I’ll admit that ‘work’ might be my Bible reading, Bible study, teaching my children, doing exercise or completing tasks that I should complete for my business or around the house. When I do the work, though, I am always richly rewarded. That reward may not be what I expected, and it might come later, but it is there.
This passage is reminding me that if I don’t follow through and do ALL of the work that is needed (not just some) I will come up empty. I will sell myself short of the opportunities to be richly rewarded and supplied, whether that be filled up with His Word, or see the products of another job well done.
Prayer:
Lord, so often I am tired, I feel worn out and don’t want to finish… or sometimes even start.
Please guide me in remembering this passage in those times, so that I may honor You and also be richly supplied with that which you have set for me.
Please, Lord, also keep from from wearing myself out by doing the things that don’t matter or that just cause strife. I want to focus on the right path. I want to achieve and do as you know is best. Please, Lord, help me to see and follow your path. I want to be diligent in the things that matter. Thank you, Lord.
What about you?
What spoke to you the loudest in today’s reading? I’d love to hear about your thoughts in the comments of this post.
Thanks for taking the time to read along with me.
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