Resolving Life's Riddles

“My mouth shall speak wisdom;
The meditation of my heart shall be understanding.
I will incline my ear to a proverb;
I will solve my riddle to the music of the harp.”
--Psalm 49:3-4

What does the increasing persecution of Christians in other countries mean for us in America? As a parent, how should I respond to the apparent loosening of standards on television? Is it possible for a father to make it through his son’s adolescence and keep his sanity? How is it that God still cares for me despite my tendency toward sin and distraction?

These are some of the riddles bouncing around my brain this week. You’ve got riddles of your own . . . some are lofty and philosophical, others are deeply personal. These riddles have the power to tip us off balance—wondering where we stand in life and where we stand with God. It can be an uncomfortable place.

The psalmist points us to the ultimate source for resolving life’s riddles—connection with God. Understanding comes in reflecting on God and God’s Word. Solving life’s riddles occurs “to the music of the harp,”--in my mind, a reference to worship. Our relationship to God brings insight and wisdom to understand life. Connection with God assures us that we are in God’s capable hands. It’s possible (actually quite likely) that there are some riddles in life for which you will never find resolution. In these cases, the psalmist reminds us of the solution of all life’s riddles:

“God will save us from the grave,
He will certainly take me to himself.”
--Psalm 49:15

Our greatest hope lays in our connection to the living God—Jesus Christ. In the hope that Christ brings, we can live with riddles and uncertainties. God promises to receive us regardless of having everything figured out. It is our connection to God that saves us.

What’s a life riddle you have been wrestling with? Why not give God 30 days to bring you some insight. You could, for example, commit to praying about your “riddle” daily for the month of September. Is it possible that there is insight for you in the Bible? Take this month to study the scriptures on the question you have. Be listening during worship.

God is present to nurture you and guide you. And . . . every time the bread is broken and the cup is shared, remember the ultimate solution to life’s riddles—Jesus is Savior to all!

The Word on wisdom

Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning
and even among fools she lets herself be known.
‐Proverbs 14:33 (NIV)

Here’s some good counsel from kids wise beyond their age:

Patrick, age 10, said, “Never trust a dog to watch your food.”

Michael, 14, said, “When your dad is mad and asks, ‘Do I look stupid?’ don’t answer him.” He backed that up with further wise advice. “Never tell your mom her diet’s not working.”

Kyoyo, age 9, said, “Never hold a Dust Buster and a cat at the same time.”

How did those kids get so wise!

Joking aside, wisdom is a precious commodity in our world today. Raising kids (or grandkids), managing finances, choosing careers, situations at work, decisions about healthcare, the complexity of relationships, even serving a church, require much wisdom. How can we grow in such a valuable character quality?

The Scriptures have a lot to tell us about developing wisdom. In fact, there are a few Old Testament books dedicated to teaching wisdom. In July I will be preaching messages from the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, two of these Old Testament wisdom books. Both of them are attributed to King Solomon, David’s son, who asked God specifically for great wisdom. He learned a lot from his use of God‐given wisdom as well as a few foolish choices he made along the way. We’ll be looking at what he learned as well as what Jesus taught about wise living.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs that a person who develops wisdom will be seen as wise, even among fools. Wise people live in a way that distinguishes them from the crowd. Wisdom helps us live with integrity. Please join us for worship in July as we grow in our understanding of wisdom.

Wisdom from a biblical perspective.

I read this quote on wisdom in J. I. Packer's Knowing God (InterVarsity Press, 1973). I really like his perspective.

To be truly wise, in the Bible sense, one's intelligence and cleverness must be harnessed to a right end. Wisdom is the power to see, and the inclination to choose, the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.

I think we are entering a time in the church and in our culture where wisdom and discernment will be of paramount importance. (They always are of paramount importance, but how often are they employed?)

Add another blessing

Today is the day for our congregation's joint prayer service with the Lockhart Church of Christ. I preached about the significance of this opportunity during worship on Sunday. I got a good response from our community of faith. Most unexpected was the response of our CYF (high school youth fellowship). The youth group after worship focused on 1 Corinthians 12 . . . where Paul describes the church as a body. They talked at length about division and schism. In their conversation, they discerned an invitation from God to attend the prayer service as a group. I was caught wonderfully offguard by their intentions. It truly blessed me to see them open to God's leading and their willingness to embrace a worthy cause. They will kill me for saying this, but . . . "I'm likin' the way they roll!"