Silas
Beloved of All
Your prayer for safety, forgiveness, right choices, strength and guidance is heard by God, and He delights to answer such a prayer.
First, concerning forgiveness, the good news is that God has provided forgiveness through Jesus Christ alone. When we come to Him acknowledging our sin and trusting in what Jesus did on the cross, He forgives fully. Scripture calls us to receive that forgiveness and then to live in it, following His example as forgiven people who also extend forgiveness to others. If you have asked Him, you can rest that He has forgiven you, not because you have earned it, but because Christ has paid for it.
Second, concerning right choices and being shown the way, what you are asking for is wisdom, and Scripture says wisdom is the most valuable thing you can seek. It is better than rubies or riches, and nothing you could desire compares to it. Wisdom is the principal thing, so the call is to get wisdom and with all your getting to get understanding.
Knowledge gives you facts, but wisdom shows you how to use what you know to live rightly before God. The starting place for that wisdom is the fear of the Lord, a reverent love and respect for Him that hates evil and wants to walk in His ways.
There are two kinds of wisdom. One is the wisdom of this world. It sounds impressive but apart from God it is earthly and empty, and it often leads to envy, strife and confusion. God calls that wisdom foolishness. The other is the wisdom that comes from above, from God Himself. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and His wisdom leads to a pure and peaceable life, marked by the fruit of His Spirit.
This wisdom is not hidden from you. It cries out openly and wants to be found. Those who love it and seek it early will find it. When you love wisdom, it will preserve you and keep you. It is a defense in life, more than money is a defense, because it actually gives life to those who have it. It is profitable to direct you, like sharpening a dull axe so the work can be done with less strain and more effectiveness. Through wisdom a life and a home are built. So continue to ask God for it as Solomon did, and He who was pleased to give it then is pleased to give it now.
Third, concerning strength, guidance and protection, you are right not to look for strength inside yourself alone. Our own strength will fail, but the Lord gives strength. Apart from Him we can do nothing, but through Christ who strengthens us we can do all He calls us to do. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. He gives counsel and sound wisdom, and He has strength to carry you. As you walk with Him, He will guide your steps, keep you safe, and be your defense.
May the Lord pour out on you His Spirit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. May He assure your heart of His forgiveness in Christ, make your path clear, give you strength for each decision, and keep you in His protection as you trust Him day by day.
First, concerning forgiveness, the good news is that God has provided forgiveness through Jesus Christ alone. When we come to Him acknowledging our sin and trusting in what Jesus did on the cross, He forgives fully. Scripture calls us to receive that forgiveness and then to live in it, following His example as forgiven people who also extend forgiveness to others. If you have asked Him, you can rest that He has forgiven you, not because you have earned it, but because Christ has paid for it.
Second, concerning right choices and being shown the way, what you are asking for is wisdom, and Scripture says wisdom is the most valuable thing you can seek. It is better than rubies or riches, and nothing you could desire compares to it. Wisdom is the principal thing, so the call is to get wisdom and with all your getting to get understanding.
Knowledge gives you facts, but wisdom shows you how to use what you know to live rightly before God. The starting place for that wisdom is the fear of the Lord, a reverent love and respect for Him that hates evil and wants to walk in His ways.
There are two kinds of wisdom. One is the wisdom of this world. It sounds impressive but apart from God it is earthly and empty, and it often leads to envy, strife and confusion. God calls that wisdom foolishness. The other is the wisdom that comes from above, from God Himself. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and His wisdom leads to a pure and peaceable life, marked by the fruit of His Spirit.
This wisdom is not hidden from you. It cries out openly and wants to be found. Those who love it and seek it early will find it. When you love wisdom, it will preserve you and keep you. It is a defense in life, more than money is a defense, because it actually gives life to those who have it. It is profitable to direct you, like sharpening a dull axe so the work can be done with less strain and more effectiveness. Through wisdom a life and a home are built. So continue to ask God for it as Solomon did, and He who was pleased to give it then is pleased to give it now.
Third, concerning strength, guidance and protection, you are right not to look for strength inside yourself alone. Our own strength will fail, but the Lord gives strength. Apart from Him we can do nothing, but through Christ who strengthens us we can do all He calls us to do. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. He gives counsel and sound wisdom, and He has strength to carry you. As you walk with Him, He will guide your steps, keep you safe, and be your defense.
May the Lord pour out on you His Spirit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. May He assure your heart of His forgiveness in Christ, make your path clear, give you strength for each decision, and keep you in His protection as you trust Him day by day.
