One of “Those” Days
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.” Proverbs 30:1 NLT
Proverbs 30 are sayings attributed to Agur. We don’t really know anything about him, although it is assumed he was a contemporary of Solomon. As we begin to read his recorded sayings and reflections we find a description of one who is “at the end of himself.”
It is like he has tried and come up empty. Whatever the reason may be he is experiencing frustration and weariness. At times the best way to move forward is to come to the realization of your own inadequacies. For the fans of the Jerry Seinfeld sitcom, Agur could be George Costanza. He was the Jerry’s childhood friend who just couldn’t “get his act together.” One time he quipped, “I’m depressed! I’m inadequate! I’ve got it all!”
But Agur did have some revelation about God. He knew that God was Supreme. “Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world?” (Proverbs 30:4 NLT)
When we are the end of ourselves, we can begin to move forward by looking to God. He is above all and over all.
Agur understood that all wisdom and truth is found in God. He realized that you can’t “trick” God. “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5,6 NLT)
As the Psalmist declared, “God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble….” (Psalm 46:1)
Agur knew that seeking the Lord, living right before Him and being content was a key to a balanced and successful life.
He had two requests of the Lord,
“First, help me never to tell a lie….” (Proverbs 30:8 NLT) When I read that I think of David’s declaration, “You desire truth in the innermost being…” (Psalm 51:6 NASB) We may be able to fool others, but we cant’ fool God. Then we are faced with the reality that deception robs joy and harms relationships.
“…Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.” (Proverbs 30:8 NLT) Agur felt that great riches, might cause him to deny God by trusting only in himself. He felt that poverty would compel him to steal from others. This does speak to the issue of contentment and balance and perspective in our lives.
When you have “one of those days” you can find direction and perspective by looking to the Lord, seeking His help and wisdom and committing all the issues of life to Him.
Prayer for today… Lord thank You that when we come to the end of ourselves we can see You more clearly. Even when we are down and frustrated with ourselves and life. Help us to see Your greatness and receive the strength and perspective that You desire to grant to us.