READ: Proverbs 6 (Focus vs. 6-11)
MEMORY VERSE
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” Proverbs 6:6
BACKGROUND
In 1692, Brother Lawrence’s work The Practice of the Presence of God was first published. In it, he described how he invited God into his mundane daily activities.
Brother Lawrence’s words still challenge us to prayerfully seek God in everything we do, like mowing the yard, getting groceries, or walking the dog.
Each day, I take our dog, Winston, for a walk. My goal for him is to exercise. Winston’s goal? Sniffing everything. Calling this time “a walk” is a generous fiction. More often, we’re going for a . . . stop.
Lately, instead of getting frustrated by a lack of forward progress, I’ve been asking God to help me see these moments as a reminder that life is a lot like walking a dog.
We experience God’s presence as we faithfully obey Him in life’s everyday activities, including their unexpected interruptions.
In Proverbs 6, Solomon offers a similar lesson, using the everyday, humble example of the ant to call us to work faithfully: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise” (v. 6). Solomon used ants as an example of everyday, patient labor (vv. 7-8).
Our relationship with God needn’t be compartmentalized into designated “spiritual” times alone, like church or a quiet time. Instead, as we faithfully obey Him, God invites us to see His divine fingerprints throughout each day.
Adam R. Holz
INSIGHT
In Proverbs 6, the reader is warned against folly and receives a call to action: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” (v. 6). God calls us to be active, engaged, and industrious. An ant is all of that.
Most of us have seen a line of ants scurrying about their business of searching for food and building their nest. The only other biblical reference to ants also tells us to follow the ant’s example: “Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer” (30:25).
Like an ant, God desires for us to be faithful in our everyday activities. In Colossians 3:23, Paul tells us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
In all we do, we can strive to be faithful and look for His presence throughout the day—even in our mundane tasks.
Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
When has God used something mundane to help you see Him better? In what everyday task is He calling you to be faithful?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS* (From Today’s Post)
“Our relationship with God needn’t be compartmentalized into designated “spiritual” times alone, like church or a quiet time. Instead, as we faithfully obey Him, God invites us to see His divine fingerprints throughout each day.”
PR’s TAKE
“The most holy and important practice in the spiritual life is the presence of God – that is every moment to take great pleasure that God is with you.” Brother Lawrence
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.” Psalms 89:15-16
PRAYER
“Dear Father, thank You for reminders everywhere that You’re a part of every moment.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“DAY BY DAY”
Day by day
Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day
Day by day
Day by day by day by day by day
