“Our gift of easy utterance may prevent our doing the things we say.” –Oswald Chambers
Once upon a time, reading from the book of Proverbs to match the date (It has 31 chapters.) had been a discipline of mine. Halfway through December, feeling a bit of heaviness settling on my spirit, I picked it up again. Each chapter contains more practical guidance than I can live out each day. What riches I had been missing! I pray for discipline in my eating and writing and planning, yet real change creeps along as fear locks me into old habits. Proverbs 23:12 jumped off the page at me that day. “Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge.”
My heart.
Simple.
One would think, right?
If I don’t really want to, I won’t. But if my heart is in it, I will.
Energy and accomplishment of goals at this unknown length of time left to me on this earth will depend on applying my heart to make changes.
Words of knowledge swirl in my mind, sit on my shelves, and appear at the click of a mouse.
Applying my heart to discipline will transform “I want to” into “I did.”
Doing triumphs over Saying.
You are an inspiration to so many! Please keep up the good works of the Lord!
Thanks for your encouragement, Betty.
Thanks, Kay.
My goal (often unmet) is to read a page or so from Psalms and at least half a proverb before bed every night. You have inspired me to be more faithful. You are so right — rich wisdom and more practical applications to my life than I can ever process, let alone obey! Thank you for taking time to share this important truth! You have the gift to say it so well!