I have a granddaughter who, whenever she has a vulnerable moment and I poke her in the side, jumps back and squeals. Her younger brother, in the same situation, turns and starts swinging, not even knowing where the poke came from. They’re both equally ticklish, but their responses, without thinking, are completely different. What is your heart’s response to situations and experiences you don’t see coming? In this verse, Solomon reminds us that we want God’s Word so deeply rooted in our hearts and minds that whatever the world throws at us, our response reflects Him. It means that when certain things happen, the first thing out of our mouths is not a curse word, even if we are genuinely startled. It means that when someone does us wrong, especially when we don’t see it coming, our heart’s response is not retaliation but a desire to turn the other cheek and pursue understanding and peace. Our lives are full of occurrences we never see coming. It may be anything from the loss of a loved one to someone taking something that belongs to you without permission or betraying you. In all of those situations, God has given us His Word to guide our response. If we don’t know His Word, we certainly won’t always know how to respond in a way that honors Him. Solomon‘s challenge is to hide his word so deeply in your heart and mind that your reactions—even before you’ve had time to process them—reflect Him. That is His desire for us. Solomon challenged the people of his day to live this way. We have even less excuse not to. We have the presence of the Holy Spirit living within us to remind us of His truth. Whether we know chapter and verse or have simply come to know and understand what His word says, He is faithful to guide us. As you listen to Him today, continue to fill your heart and mind with His truth so that His Spirit shapes every response in your life. #BeTheEdge
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
