Something Missing?

Sometimes in life we find that we are lacking the very thing we need at any given time. Last week I was well down the road on my way to work and already thinking about lunch when I realized I had forgotten my wallet. Thankfully, I had enough change in the car that I did not go hungry. I did have to limit myself, however. Today, I wanted to glue an old pair of my son’s tennis shoes that he wears for work. I found a bottle and tube of adhesive. They were both hard as a brick. I was lacking what I needed to seal the deal.

As we look at Proverbs 24, it is evident that there are times that we are missing something because we fail to ask God for it. There may also be something lacking because we have not invested wisely. I have never been muscular because I have done very little weight lifting. Some folks lack Bible knowledge because they have done little reading or study.

If you falter in times of trouble, your strength is too small (Proverbs 24:10). Some versions say “if you faint in the day of adversity”. We are living in days of trouble and adversity. The news is seldom good. I know folks who are faltering. They lack strength. Paul said, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). It sounds like nonsense until you look at the context. He had gone through incredibly difficult times because of his faith. God even allowed natural disasters to impact Paul. He was weak in and of himself. And yet, he called upon the Lord and found strength. Joel 3:10 states “Let the weak say ‘I am strong.’” In times of trouble, we must call on the name of the Lord. We can say we are strong because God is on our side!

I know a lot of people who have a “sweet tooth.” If it involves some form of sugar, it can be hard to resist. We know that sweets in moderation can be ok. Too much sugar can lead to problems. Why then does the Bible endorse consuming honey? My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste (13). Now, you may not have honey in the house and may be tempted to run out for some ice cream or donuts after reading this verse. Not so fast! What we have here is an analogy encouraging the person of faith to get wisdom. God’s word is sweeter than honey (Psalm 19:10-11). Honey and wisdom are desirable because they are sweet and sustaining. Like something sweet satisfies our physical craving (briefly), wisdom brings satisfaction in life. Notice the next verse. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off (14). The value of wisdom and the need to go after it cannot be overlooked. It gives us hope and a future. We do not want to have too little wisdom. It is like strength; in that it is needed in days of trouble.

Similar to Psalm 73, verses 1-2 and 19-20 warn against comparisons with the ungodly and what they seem to get away with. We are not to envy them or fret over them. It is easy to wonder why they can literally get away with murder and still seem to prosper. We may even secretly wish we had some of what they do. We should not gloat when they stumble and fall (17). In this case a little envy or questioning is too much. God will take care of the unfaithful. They have no future as we just read that the wise person does. This theme is repeated throughout the book of Proverbs.

Another thing that we should not lack is honesty. While the truth may hurt, we are obligated to speak it. It should always be in love (Eph. 4:15). An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips (26). That verse jumps right out at the reader and stands on its own. A just and fair response is wonderful and shows trust and closeness like a kiss does. If we love, we will speak the truth. A little deceit can do a lot of damage (28).

As we are just a few weeks from the Thanksgiving holiday, let me offer you a challenge in the November days ahead. One thing that may be lacking in abundance in your life and mine is daily gratitude. Most of us pause to give a quick word of thanks at meals or during nighttime prayers. What if we found things to be grateful for every hour of the day? I remember as a child seeing cornucopias as part of Thanksgiving decorations and images. I remember thinking how cool it was to see that horn-shaped thing overflowing with fruit.

What if we were always spilling out gratefulness? What would your attitude and outlook in life be like if you intentionally and often looked for things to thank God for? How would others feel if you went out of the way to thank them for who they are or what they have done for you? We usually take a few extra minutes on that Thursday in November. Why not look for things great and small to be objects of our thanks?

Let me give you examples from my life that may apply on any given day. Some may relate to you as well. I can be thankful that the Lord kept watch over me as I slept and gave me another day…coffee!...money to pay for the paper, phone, and TV service…the ability to show love and receive it from my family…being an American citizen…chocolate!...having a church family and pastor who shares God’s word in power…money in my wallet…a car that gets me there…mountains…blue skies…medication…clean drinking water…flowers…a job that I like…the Bible…prayer…deodorant…fond memories of parents…my house…humor…my education…readers like you!

I could go on, but you get the idea. Now get busy trying to be constantly grateful yourself. It is not a little thing. Gratitude should not be lacking from our lives. A wise person is a grateful person.