She Shares: Repetition

Today I was reading on the #SheReadsTruth website that they are starting a link up to share what God has been doing in your life since starting their plans. Naturally, since I’m always mentioning this study, I figured I’d join in.

I was very excited when they announced two weeks ago that the new plan was in Proverbs. Earlier in the summer, I tried to read a chapter a day for a month, but only made it through the first five or so, so #SRT was a great way to keep me on track. Also, my parents’ church has been studying Proverbs, but I split my time at home between their church and my old church…so I have missed a few weeks. Once again, #SRT to the rescue. Basically I figured if God was putting this book in my life so much, He really wanted me to read it.

Now onto some honest truth, this study hasn’t been all peaches for me. I started to hit a devotional rut, putting off my quiet times until later in the day. I’ve still been consistent daily, but sometimes I feel like I’m just doing it to do it. It’s a little discouraging, because I’ve lasted so long, but I’m starting to feel that weight I have in the past when I am ready to stop. Also, Proverbs got a little boring for me. There is tons of repetition and the writer uses situations that don’t really pertain to me.

Then it hit me. Ok, God hit me. This time has been becoming a chore because I’m not actively seeking God with it. I have not been paying attention to what God is trying to show me in these passages! Silly Sarah…sometimes you are so thick-skulled.

Anywho, on to what God has been teaching me. First, there is a lot of repetition. And yes, it seems like a lot of simple concepts are being repeated.So why? Because they are important! And Us thick-skulls need to read it multiple times for it to click. God is pretty darn smart :p

Almost every chapter begins with some form of “be attentive to my wisdom, gain my understanding".” Why? because these chapters are packed-full of wisdom that is meaningless unless we keep it and apply it. The chapter also uses juxtaposition (big word!!) to show the differences of a wise and foolish person. God blatantly states that following Him is life-giving and following our own desires brings harm. I am also learning that these sins have to be completely avoided. The more we surround ourselves with them, the easier it is to give in.

Now onto that stuff that “I couldn’t relate to.” Pshhh, good joke Sarah! Those chapters about adultery….there is totally stuff in there for me. First, adultery is like any other sin in God’s eyes & I just need to avoid it! These passages also help paint the picture of a woman of God (hmmmm maybe that’s why #SRT picked Proverbs) We are told to “keep your heart with all vigilances, for from it flows the springs of life” & "the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life.” We are called to be pure. Pure in our actions, how we present ourselves, what we think, and what we say. Not only is purity precious to God, but as women, our purity is especially important for protecting our Christian brothers. We do not want to cause them to sin  based on our actions. Being pure is not just physical, its our whole being. It is an active response to guard ourselves against sin. Want more on the Proverbs picture of godly women, hope on over to Bre’s blog to check out her post!

We are called to seek God’s wisdom & insight. Follow His commandments and live with integrity. I need to watch my words, make sure that they only build others up. I need to think about my actions and if they are glorifying him. And above all, I need to guard my heart. God will provide for me when I diligently seek Him. I need to live my life honorably, so that my life is a living testimony of what god has done for me!

Phewfff! That was a lot…but it's what God has been teaching me.