CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 823

“Husk or Kernel”

Proverbs 30:7-9 (ESV)Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

—————————————————————————————-

Can you pray as Agur did and ask the same things of the Lord?  Most of us have no problem seeking to be kept far from falsehood, lying and poverty.  The wheels fall off however or get a bit wobbly when it comes to the part about riches for most of us. Agur, with Holy Spirit inspired wisdom, knew that lies, poverty, and riches alike could hinder his close relationship with God. For Agur, his relationship with his God was his heart’s priority.  He sought the kernel of life and not the husk. He knew that contentment was a result of an intimate relationship with God.

… I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  – Philippians 4:11-13

Contrast this proverb with the conventional wisdom of the world that says more money is the key to everything and the solution to all your trials and problems.  Reality proves worldly wisdom to be wrong.  Surely, with money you can buy food, but not appetite. You can buy medicine, but not health; knowledge, but not wisdom; fleeting happiness, but not lasting joy. Having an abundance of money can buy you acquaintances and perhaps servants, but not true friends or faithfulness.  Money can buy you leisure, but not peace.  To sacrifice our relationship with God in favor of going after the riches of this world is to feast on the husk instead of the nutrition of the kernel.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matt 6:33

So, what is it that you seek first?   What is it that motivates you each day?  In what or in whom have you placed your trust?  If you take stock of your life and your heart’s attitude, are your priorities in God’s order?   Is your relationship with God as a trusting child to a loving Dad?  Is He Abba, Father to you or a distant, disconnected supreme being?  Can you trust Him to provide all your needs equally in your wilderness as when you were on top of the world?

… your Father knows what you need before you ask him; And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Matthew 6:8; Philippians 4:19

May you have a heart that desires a close relationship with God above all else in this world whether it be people, pleasures, or material goods.  May you know the peace that comes from an intimate relationship and walk with Jesus Christ.  May you be free from the worries and cares of this world and the bondage that trusting in riches can bring.  May you seek first the kernel of the kingdom and righteousness of God and discard the husks of this world.