Day Four: On Wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)

"Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge,

​but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Proverbs 1:7, NLT
​

What I love most about the Proverbs is that I can read them over, and over, and over again and it's like new every time.

This verse, in particular, has become a favorite of mine.
That's because I'm constantly finding myself in new, unfamiliar spaces in life, which means I'm constantly in need of wisdom to navigate the new terrain. 

Parenthood comes first to mind. It's an ever-changing terrain and just when I get schedules and habits and attitudes nailed down, something changes, again. 

Earlier this year we were faced with a situation concerning our oldest and school. He was struggling and miserable. His teacher was struggling and miserable. I was struggling, miserable... and honestly- feeling pretty defeated. I simply didn't know how we could overcome this situation.

In a phone conversation with my beloved Grandmother one day I casually mentioned my frustrations. My wayyyy more patient, and wise, and experienced Grandmother stopped the conversation-- cold-- and said, "Let's pray right now."

And we did. God directed her to speak several words of encouragement and instruction into my life and instantly I felt better just having some direction. But better than that- when I actually put into action those bits of wisdom and direction-- everything changed. 

After several months of trying to do things my way, the entire situation did a 180 at the wisdom and instruction of God.

But it took humbling. That's the hard part. I don't know if anyone else shares this struggle, but something in me tells me that I should know the best way to parent my own child, or that I can simply "Google" a solution. But truth be told? I don't know. And the internet is full of theories. But God...

He created each of my child distinctly, and He alone knows the best way to love and instruct each one. 

But this is also true for every area of my life. God's ways are wiser.

When my finances are a mess, it's a result of doing things my way.
When my relationships are a mess, it's a result of doing things my way.

The Psalm puts it best:
"As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him." Psalm 18:30 (NIV)

When we start with God, we find true wisdom.
​His perfect way. The best way. The protected way. 

Dwelling in Him,