Daily Devotionals

'Every Day Light' with Selwyn Hughes

Devotional: September 3rd

For Reading and Meditation:
     Ecclesiastes 7:11-14

Solomon now invites us to look at the benefits and advantages of wisdom. 'Wisdom is a shelter,' he says (v. 12). It protects us from pitfalls or from entering into foolish schemes and ideas. Wisdom protects us from being overtaken by an unexpected financial crisis, for example, by showing us the importance of "saving for a rainy day." Wisdom tells us that we should make sure our liabilities never exceed our assets; that it is better, whenever possible, to avoid temptation than to confront it; that to harbor resentment is like harboring a snake in your bosom, and so on. If you possess wisdom, then you won't fall apart under pressure. Wisdom won't stop you from experiencing problems, but it will protect you from unnecessary ones. The second thing Solomon says about wisdom is that it gives us a clearer perspective on life. He asks: "Who can straighten what he has made crooked?" (v. 13). How we wish we could, but sometimes such a thing is beyond us. Wisdom will help us to focus only on the things that can be changed, and not to spend useless time and energy in trying to change the unchangeable. A divine thread of sovereignty runs through our lives, points out Solomon, so whether times are good or bad - be happy. Wisdom enables us to see that everything is under God's control - the up times and the down times, the "in" times and the "out" times. We are not the victims of blind fate or random chance. God is over all things and in control of all things. Thus we are people of destiny.

O Father, help me trace Your hand in the whole of my life, not just the "good" bits. May I see that the setbacks as well as the successes are part of Your purpose for me, and thus praise You in everything."Through good or ill You are with me still." Thank You, dear Father. Amen.