Does this line from Proverbs sound like the situation many embrace in our world today? When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.

Fortunately, Solomon added a hopeful addendum: But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

I see folks running wild on my screens every day. Whether it’s riots or wars or simply debauchery, left on our own we devolve toward selfishness and abandon.

But the law of the Lord carries to a different horizon. Those who obey experience joy—which is hard to come by. Notice Solomon does not say those who obey the law have life easy, or don’t face problems, or are not tempted to run unchecked. But reading the Scriptures and applying them bends our souls away from a wildness that leads to emptiness, and towards enjoyment and pleasure in the Lord.

The proverb points out the stark difference in these two approaches to life. Shunt the ways of God aside, throw off all restraint and party like it’s 1999. Or, invest in the teachings found in the Scriptures, and quietly yet firmly say yes to the principles found within. One way leads to chaos, the other to flourishing.

Proverbs 29:18

Photo by Erik Mclean

I finally caught up with my Bible reading after several weeks away from home. I read through the Bible every year, following a plan to keep me on schedule. But I find that times of travel, and especially the Camino de Santiago, throw me off track. Early mornings, late nights, and the physical exhaustion of walking 12 miles a day up and down hills leave little time for contemplative reading.

But now I’m back, and I’ll get ahead before my next trip. While the back and forth helps, I gain more when I stay consistent. Steadiness is the key to reading the Bible. A portion every day, day after day after day, builds depth and conviction. To read Scripture forms a life-giving habit. It matters less how much I read, but more that I’m in the pages of the Good Book every day.

The writer of Hebrews tells us, The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The Scriptures are alive—what a powerful thought! Interacting with this living entity opens us to a deeper enchantment. Not merely religious phrases on fancy paper, but God-breathed words illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Along with prayer, reading the Bible with a focus on the Lord forms the most divine activity you and I may partake on our own.

I encourage you to read a chapter or two. Turn to the Gospel of John and let Jesus amaze you with his presence. Ask the Holy Spirit for the ability to see wonderful things in his law. Read every day—it will change your life.

Hebrews 4:12

Photo by Joel Muniz

At times I feel like giving up. I drive by people sitting on street corners asking for money and wonder how to possibly help. Protests, characterized by increasing violence, form around political issues. Bombs fall in the Middle East.

I don’t find myself fearful, however. Unfortunate circumstances, mob violence and conflicts in the Middle East all existed long before I hit the scene. But I do find myself weary. What can one, middle-class suburban man with limited time and resources do to change any of these situations?

Maybe not much. Paul wrote to a church struggling with similar questions in their challenging world. He urged them, As for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.

While my efforts may not account to much in my eyes or anyone else’s, Paul reminds me to do what I can. Don’t stop trying just because the world wears me down.

When I give the effort, I find that good begets good. By helping a neighbor, or holding a door for a young mom balancing groceries and toddlers, or simply speaking a kind word, my soul lifts. Good beats back weariness.

So I pray and ask the Holy Spirit for strength and opportunity to perhaps do a little good in someone’s life today. No preparation needed and no fanfare expected. Simply a step forward in faith as I attempt to walk in the ways of the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 3:13

Photo by Jachan DeVol

I get comfortable in my religion at times. Going to church, listening to sermons, singing with the congregation, reading Christian books and perusing my Bible all lend a familiarity to my faith. As a Christian minister I paddle my way around the pond of my persuasions.

But occasionally I read something that tips my canoe and reminds me that God exists less as a pond and more as a vast expanse stretching from horizon to horizon.

In a letter to a young pastor, Paul described God in heaven. I like how King James’ translators rendered this verse: Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

One on hand I speak casually of knowing God, but on the other God remains invisible, hidden in unapproachable light. Invisible refers not merely our physical sight, but to our understanding as well. So much of God’s motives and mindset remain hidden from us. We perceive only hints and shadows. Which is one reason the life and teaching of Jesus Christ form the center of our faith. Through him God in the flesh dwelt among us, and through him we enter into the fulness of the Father.

I love the hymn Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise, written by Scottish minister Walter Chalmers Smith in 1867. The first verse encapsulates Paul’s teaching: Immortal, invisible God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes. Most gracious, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, almighty victorious your great name we praise (here’s a beautiful rendition).

I believe God wants me to draw close to him, to feel the comfort of his presence. But I also realize that my ponds of faith are merely the surface of a bottomless ocean of God’s wisdom and grace.

1 Timothy 1:17 & 6:16

Photo from Finisterre, Spain