How recently have you read the first chapter of the book of Proverbs in the Bible?
Not long ago, I had opportunity to spend some time looking into the text of Proverbs 1. In doing so, I found 7 reasons why it is beneficial to care what God says. These reasons do not include any justification that would convey the message “because God told us to”. Instead, the basis for us caring about what God says is stated, “He who listens to me (God/wisdom) shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.”
Meditating upon this passage allowed me to discover 7 reasons why it would be beneficial for us to care what God says. These reasons have a direct effect on my day-to-day living. These benefits direct the order of my life. The value I place on listening to God directly affects everything I do day-by-day.
Because I care what God says, I experience 7 benefits in my life which include:
- Hope
- Confidence
- Peace
- Safety
- Assurance
- Boldness
- Security
If you were to rate your life, how would you rank in each of these areas? On a scale of 1-10, how’s your hope, your confidence, your peace, etc.?
Are you maxed out in each of these areas in your life? If you are like me, you need a daily renewing. You need a new daily intake of hearing God’s Word to see the benefit of it in your life.
A well-known scripture to us is John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” When I care that God says this, I receive the benefits of hope, confidence, peace, safety, etc.
The fact that God loves me is known to Him and many other people. However, it is not until I care God says He loves me that it will affect my life. It is not until I see that He doesn’t want me to perish that I can be assured He has provided everything I need. When I recognize that God gave everything to make me His own, I experience the peace of God that is beyond anything I could think of on my own.
Make an appointment with yourself and God every day. Write it on your calendar in permanent marker. Do not allow anything to come in the way of getting your “benefit tank” filled up. Spend time listening to God’s Word, caring about what He is saying, and practicing anything He instructs.
When you make caring about what God says a priority in your life, you will see an increase in your hope, a boost in your confidence, a peace that you can’t naturally explain, a feeling of safety even though everything is crashing down around you, assurance you can trust God, boldness to do the next right thing – though it is hard, and security to know you belong to the One who made you.
Hear this from The Message – Proverbs 1:23
How long will you refuse to learn?
About face! I can revise your life. (emphasis added)
Look, I’m ready to pour out my spirit on you;
I’m ready to tell you all I know.
God is ready to benefit you and tell you all He knows. It is to your benefit to care (listen) what He has to say.
Written By: Anne Gurley
