Proverbs 8:22-31: Been There, Done That

Read Proverbs 8:22-31 here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+8%3A22-31&version=NKJV

vs. 22
Possessed: created, own, attain
Way: mode of action
Of old: from time of, since

vs. 23
Established: I was installed
Everlasting: long duration, antiquity, futurity

vs. 30
Delight: pleasure, enjoyment
Rejoice: to laugh (in pleasure); by implication, to play, laugh, make merry

Experience: The process or fact of personally observing, encountering, or undergoing something. Philosophy. the totality of the cognitions given by perception; all thatis perceived, understood, and remembered.

To have experience of; meet with; undergo; feel.

(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/experience?s=t)

I've seen it all. I was there when..... I've been there, done that. I saw what happened when.... I saw first hand..... each can be said of Wisdom. 

Wisdom was with God before the creation of the Earth. Wisdom saw what God created. Wisdom was in the company of God. Wisdom knows and has experience. 

Been there, done that. Know the results. 

When facing an unknown situation, what do we do? Usually search for some knowledge of someone who has been in that situation and knows what happens. 

When we take a trip, we use GPS, or google maps. We want to know how to get to our destination. 

When we are going to a new place, we google it to learn about what it will be like, what to expect. 

When we ...... the list goes on. We want to connect with someone who has been there, done that. 

Exactly what Wisdom is describing in Proverbs 8:22-31. Wisdom was there before God created the Earth. Wisdom saw God create the earth and everything in it. Wisdom has been around since BEFORE the beginning. Wisdom has been there, done that. Wisdom has knowledge and experience of being in the very presence of God. Wisdom has seen what happens when people choose knowledge and obedience to God, AND when people ignore Wisdom. 

When I am facing a situation, I want to discuss it with someone who has been there, done that. And who better to seek knowledge and instruction from—than Wisdom! With a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, I'll no only want to seek Wisdom, but I'll listen and obey what Wisdom tells me. Wisdom has been there, done that—and that is experience which I want on my side!

Proverbs 3: 19, 20: Wisdom, Understanding, and the Power of God!

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew. Proverbs 3: 19, 20

The Lord: deity Yahweh, the proper name of the God

Wisdom: ethical and religious: of God, as a divine attribute or energy

Founded: establish

Earth: land, water

Understanding: the act of discernment

Established: set up, fashion, fixed

Heavens: sky

Knowledge: perception, skill

Depths: deep, of subterranean waters

Broken up: rent open

Clouds: sky

Drop down: trickle, drip

Dew: night-mist

The things that can be done with wisdom and understanding..... and the power of God! A few days ago the world stopped to view the Super Moon. I continue to be awe as God displays His power and wonderful aspects of creation. Near the Castle,  is a road that has a beautiful display of flowers. Each time I approach that specific intersection, I thank God that He chose to create in living color. 

The Lord BY wisdom founded the earth. He knew exactly what was needed in order for His creation, including man, to survive and enjoy life on Earth. He provides rivers and lakes and vast oceans, and also the nightly dew to nurrish the Earth. 

The sky this morning was just a magnificent mix of cloud types and shades of pinks and blues. Beautiful craftsmanship on display as the sun rose creating a spectacular sunrise. And each morning the sunrise is a bit different but still each is beautiful. Wisdom, Understanding, and the power of God = spectacular results! 

Wisdom and understanding and the power of God—that same that was used to Create the World,  is available to each of us! Now that is awe-inspiring! Think about it. 

In order to fully take advantage of the wisdom, understanding the power of God, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). And when I have a fear and respect of God, then my heart and mind is open to the wisdom, understanding and power God wants to provide. 

Wisdom, Understanding, and the power of God = spectacular results!

Security

"And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together)." Colossians 1:17 (AMP)

God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. 

All things consist, are held together—by HIM! Think about the stability and continuance in just the sun rising each and every day, or the stars being held in place (Psalm 8:3).

"There is something comforting about a billion stars being held steady by a God who knows what He is doing!" 

A God who is from everlasting to everlasting, who holds everything together..... yes, there is complete security in Him! 

Permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), begins with the understanding of who God is, and that He is the solid foundation upon which to place my security and trust.

For Him

"For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him." Colossians 1:16 (AMP)

FOR HIM. all things were created and exist... FOR HIM. 

All things were made according to his pleasure, and for His praise and glory. 

All things.......for Him.... for His glory and honor. 

Am I as a creation of God, and HIS child, living a life that is bringing glory and honor to God? 

In order to live a life that is pleasing to Him, I must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Investigate

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established. Psalm 8:3 (AMP)

When I gaze to the skies and meditate on Your creation—on the moon, stars, and all You have made. Psalm 8:3 (VOICE)

Consider: A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively; advise self, appear, approve, behold, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, perceive, present, regard, (have) respect, spy, stare,think, view.

Investigate (verb) 

1. to examine, study, or inquire into systematically; search or examine into the particulars of; examine in detail.

2. to search out and examine the particulars of in an attempt to learn the facts about something hidden, unique, or complex.

I like mysteries and crime shows. I like to search for the answers and the whys, hows, etc. Investigation intrigues me. In Psalm 8:3 I am to consider, study,  investigate the sky, the Heavens, the stars, the moon, etc. NOT to worship them, but rather see God’s handiwork. Creation in and of itself shows the power, majesty, and vastness of God. As I investigate the things God created, it allows me to gain a greater insight into just how awesome God really is. 

Take our Earth for example. God tilted it at just the precise angle so that it gives us the Seasons. And that fulfills a promise in Genesis 8:22, As long as the earth endures, nothing will put a stop to planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night. (VOICE)

God in His infinite wisdom created our universe, and beyond with specific, intricate details so that everything works in accordance to His plan. He tilted the earth, so that we’d have Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. He made sure the Earth was positioned close enough to the sun to get heat, but just far enough away so that we would not “burn up”. 

Investigate what God has made and learn of the power, majesty and awesomeness of God almighty. To create a positive day, I only need to investigate God’s creation, for it clearly demonstrates God’s ability, authority and sovereignty. 

I am Spectacular!

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The tenth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 111. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The Lord’s deeds are spectacular. They should be studied by all who enjoy them. Psalm 111:2 (GW)

The works of the Eternal are many and wondrous! They are examined by all who delight in them. Psalm 111:2 (VOICE)

God’s works are so great, worth A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! Psalm 111:2 (MSG)

"The works of the Lord are great." In design, in size, in number, in excellence, all the works of the Lord are great. Even the little things of God are great. 

"Sought out of all them that have pleasure therein." Those who love their Maker delight in his handiworks, they perceive that there is more in them than appears upon the surface, and therefore they bend their minds to study and understand them. 

"Worthy of being sought after in all their purposes," and this also is a grand truth, for the end and design which God hath in all that he makes or does is equally admirable with the work itself. The hidden wisdom of God is the most marvelous part of his works, and hence those who do not look below the surface miss the best part of what he would teach us. The Treasury of David

I think one of the most special blessings that I have enjoyed the most that has been a result of my chronic pain, is that I’ve learned how truly wonderful God designed the body.

I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul. Psalm 139:14 (VOICE)

I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this. Psalm 139:14 (GW)

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. Psalm 139:14 (NLT)

I continue to be amazed at how the body works, and adjusts to various things. This past year, I’ve learned more about foods and how my body uses foods and what it needs to function at its best. I have to say before losing the weight, I simply ate because it all tasted so good! Now, as I continue to learn about foods and how they effect me and my body, I am not only enjoying the tastes of foods, but appreciating what they do for my body. 

Throughout the past, almost 13 years, I have also learned how interconnected the body is. Often I can reduce my headache by massaging or using my Stim-Pro on my foot! Yes, the feet have corresponding points to relieve headaches. The more I study how the body works as a whole and the individual parts, I have to stop and think, “Wow! What an absolutely amazing, awesome God!” And the more I learn about what God created, that should want me to praise Him more, and study His spectacular works more. 

I am Spectacular!

No, not because

of something I’ve done,

rather because

I’m a “spectacular work of God!”

That thought in and of itself should have a great impact on my attitude and actions! Being spectacular, is special, because I was designed by God. And being designed by God, has its responsibilities—that includes praising God and honoring Him with my life. 

To create a positive day, I need to celebrate “I am Spectacular—because I’m a work of the amazing, awesome God!” 

Remembering Me & Caring for Me

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The fifteen of each month, I'm studying Psalm 8. Here's what Treasure I found today.

But why are people even important to you [What are people that you remember them]? Why do you take care of ·human beings [the son of man]? Psalm 8: 4 (EXB)

What (but why): what is there (common) to me and to thee?, what end, to what purpose.

Man (people): a mortal, humanity, miserable man; man in his fallen state, full of infirmity, ignorance, and sin.

That: expressing consecution, especially after a question implying surprise

Art mindful (remember): recall, call to mind, usually as affecting present feeling, thought, or action.

Son of man: the son of Adam, the sinful son of a sinful father, his son by likeness of disposition.

Visitest him (care): pay attention to, observe with care, practical interest, give a charge, commit, to attend to.

To fully understand Psalm 8:4, you have to read Psalm 8:3: 

I look at your heavens, ·which you made with [the work of] your fingers. I see the moon and stars, which you ·created. (MSG)

When one compares the vast expanse and greatness of the Heavens and all that God created, to mere man— why would God even bother with us? Look at the finite universe in which we live. We are but “ants”  in comparison to the immenseness of all creation. It’s humbling to realize that the Almighty God, Creator of all, remembers mankind—and more importantly, remembers individuals. And God know only remembers each of us, He cares for each of us. 

“[Are not…?] Five sparrows are sold for only two pennies [Greek: assaria; copper coins of very low value], ·and [yet] God does not forget any of them. But ·God even knows how many hairs you have on your head [even the hairs on your head have all been numbered]. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6, 7 (EXB)

Can you grasp that fact? God KNOWS exactly how many hairs are on my head. That means that God knows MORE about me than I know about myself! And not only does God KNOW about me, He CARES about me!

"This is a marvelous thing, that God thinks upon men, and remembers them continually." John Calvin

To create a positive day, I simply need to remember that the Almighty God, Creator of all, is remembering me, and caring for me. 

What works....

One thing I've learned about living with chronic pain....the body works in amazing ways! One side-effect of my pain medication is nightmarish dreams. They can be bizarre to frightening. I have tried many things to get rid of the dreams....but finally my chiropractor and I found something that works! Electro-acupuncture. There are 9 points; 6 on the back, 1 on my left foot, and one on each wrist. The points are stimulated between 15 to 30 seconds each, and the treatment keeps me nightmare free for about a week.

Electro-acupuncture also has kept me Migraine free for a year! I still have my constant headache, but that doesn't compare to a migraine. I can treat the migraine points myself with the Stim Pro Plus (http://www.ihconcepts.com).
The more I learn about the body, I continue to realize how unique God made us.

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well. (Psalm 139: 13, 14)

God knew how to "assemble" the body so that it works without us knowing how! I don't have to know how to digest my food. I just eat and the body does its "thing" to use the nutrients to make my body work. I don't have to think about how often my heart beats, it beats in a particular rhythm to assure a fresh oxygenated blood supply to all the organs in my body.

When things don't work properly, that's when our bodies get our attention. If we feel pain or are sick, we than realize just how much our bodies do without any help from us! God created us...we did not evolve. God made us in His image. We are wonderfully made. We need to give God praise!

Want to create a positive day? Take a moment to think about how your body works. As your amazement continues to grow, you can't help but praise God. And praising God creates the ultimate positive day!