Day 45: Psalms 135:1-Proverbs 6:35 - 90 Day Challenge

What We Take from Psalms 

Plus, Wisdom is a Woman. 


Our reading today begins with Psalm 135, but I'd really like to begin by talking about Psalm 136. There's a point that's trying to be made in that Psalm, did you get it? In case you missed it, the Lord's love endures forever (this is repeated at the end of every verse in Psalm 136). I think they're trying to tell us something. It's very interesting that they put that there, because Psalm 136 is all about the great power of God, who created the heavens and earth and who divided the Red Sea and who saved his people--contrasted with a being who's love is endless. Who are we that God would love us eternally? Who's love for us endures past the end of time? The fact that this infinitely powerful Creator of the universe loves each of us forever is incredible. 

Psalm 139 is another excellent passage. Have you ever read the Father's Love Letter? If not, check it out here. It's wonderful, and a lot of it is paraphrased from Psalm 139 (among many other verses). Psalm 139 really proves Psalm 136, how God's love endures forever, but it shows it. I particularly love these two verses: 


The last five chapters in Psalms are also interesting, because each one of them starts and ends with "Praise the Lord." Just as we should always start and end with praise the Lord, no matter what happens in the middle. 

And that was the end of Psalms! Moving on to...


Yes, Proverbs! The book of wisdom! Interestingly, Wisdom is portrayed as a woman in Proverbs (see Proverbs 3:13-18). Especially since women did very little in the Old Testament (not by choice, go Esther!) but it was pretty much exclusively male rulers, and whenever women were mentioned, it was usually because they were evil (see, Jezebel). So to have wisdom portrayed as a woman is a very intriguing choice. 

Much of Proverbs (thus far) is a commandment to surround yourself in wisdom, and in love and faithfulness. But if you have wisdom, you should already know that you need to love and be faithful. In Proverbs 2, it talks about how wisdom, once it enters your heart, will protect you and save you from the ways of wicked men--which I find really reassuring. Not because I am infinitely wise, but because wisdom is something that can be gained. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 is where I'd like to end this: 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." 

We don't know everything. Believe it or not. And I think this verse is a friendly reminder to seek counsel from the Lord in all things. 

Tomorrow's reading: Proverbs 7:1-Proverbs 20:21
Have a wonderful day!
Jill Jafarace
Director of Student Ministry
New Leaf UMC



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