Reflections on The Word

I suspect we’ve all heard, “There but for the grace of God go I.”  Truth be told, I think we all know how true those words are.  This world has so much to offer with its many enticements. It is so easy for any one of us to be swayed aside but for the grace and wisdom of God.  

I’m thankful to God for preserving me from being enticed to follow a path that seemed so good, so right when young… which, in reality, would lead to destruction.  Studying the book of Proverbs is an eye opener.  Oh, I’ve read it before, but appreciate studying it closer verse by verse.  Here, the wisdom of Israel’s King Solomon is directly before us as he speaks to his son(s) and daughter(s), his children. Us. Me. And, knowing his life’s story, the reading becomes even more poignant. 

Solomon's Life Story

When King David died, his son, Solomon, took over the reign.  In a dream, God told Solomon to “ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (I Kings 3:5)  Rather than great riches, the humble king asked for wisdom with which to rule.  I can only hope I might have thought to ask for that!  In granting his request, the Lord gave Solomon not only great wisdom beyond compare, but also great riches.  There was no one like him before or since.

To know the rest of the story is to understand that, although Solomon began his reign intending to follow God’s precepts, he was soon swayed by the world’s enticements.  From humble and wise beginnings, Solomon gradually took to himself 700 wives and 300 concubines, allowing worship altars to be built for all their various gods. And it wasn’t long before this worship by his wives of their pagan gods also contributed to an undermining of his own faithful worship of the one true God.

In studying the great and powerful words of wisdom in Proverbs, I can’t help but be struck by the fact that at the end of his life, Solomon realized how far he had fallen.  His had been a life of great riches with glory and fame following wherever his wisdom and searching soul led him, and he was left to ponder at what he had gained. 

Solomon's Reflections on His Life Story

Believed to have also been written by Solomon, Ecclesiastes begins: “The word of the Teacher, son of David, king of Jerusalem:  Meaningless! Meaningless!  says the Teacher.  Utterly meaningless!  Everything is meaningless.  What does man gain from all his labor...?  Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever… I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 2, 4, 13, 14)

Yet with the same great wisdom, Solomon penned these verses we’ve treasured, especially in song –  “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:  a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” (Eccl. 3:1-8)

Understanding that he had pursued all which life had to offer, it appears the Teacher, presumably Solomon, was not afraid to admit it was all for naught… while also voicing the dichotomy of profound meaning found in every activity under the sun.  Thus, his conclusion was that there was a purpose to be found in the relationship with his, and our, one true God.  For, in the end, the Teacher concluded we should “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come…and the spirit returns to God who gave it… Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”  (Eccl. 12: 1, 7, 13)

These were the thoughts which came to mind as I reflected on my poem below well after it was written.  Not one of us can say we are sin free.  Assuredly, we haven’t committed major crimes.  But, deep inside, in all honesty, our heart is not always pure and wise as we struggle in our human attempts to follow a perfect Lord. We, a product of this world, tend to seek our own way in our daily walk – and I know my own bent.  But I am so thankful that He pursues me… each of us… with never-ending boundless loving mercy.

May I learn from Solomon’s wisdom, and from his mistakes, and humbly bow my heart to our Lord.  May I learn to follow His words of wisdom, and His will for my life, wherever He may lead, for “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”  (Psalm 119:105)

Your Word

by Linda A. Roorda

Your word is like a comforting hand

Within the midst of stress-filled days

It calms the heart and soothes the soul

To find a peace within Your embrace.

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Your word is like a sharpened sword

It pierces the soul with words brought to mind

Causing a change when nothing else can

Instructing me, Your wisdom to heed.

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Your word is like a beautiful scene

That greets my eyes, tranquil and serene

It points to You, Creator of all

Showing Your power and infinite might.

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Your word is like a solid rock

Unshakeable with its absolute truth

Lasting forever, foundation secure

Its wisdom gained to guide and to lead.

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Your word is like the calm after storms

After winds blow fierce and clouds gather dark

As rain pours down to freshen this world

So to the soul are Your words of peace.

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Your word is like a beautiful bud

Daily growing beneath sun and rain

It opens wide with petals of silk

To show the world its hidden glory.

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Your word is like a fine sunny day

With healing warmth down deep in my soul

It broadens faith, shines light on wisdom

And illumines steps to direct my path.

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