Proverbs 6:20-22 – “My child, guard the commands of your father and do not forsake the instruction of your mother.  ²¹ Bind them on your heart continually; fasten them around your neck.  ²² When you walk about, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake up, they will talk to you.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, our part in the process filled my consciousness.   We tend to go too far in our expectations. We either want God to do everything for us, or we try to do everything for ourselves.  Salvation cannot be earned.  Grace is not payment for doing right; it is the power to enable us to become right.  Grace is not only unmerited favor; it is divine enablement.

Our part in this Christian Walk is obedience.  Out of obedience, we are required and expected to use restraint and self-control.   Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things abominable to God.  Things that will block His presence and hinder our spiritual development. Pride, lying, violence, scheming, wicked hearts (thoughts), false witness (spreading rumors, Sowing discord), causing trouble.

On the other hand, we have a listing of what will lead us to life (vv 20-22). Obedience to the principles of life in God’s Word.   If we make them our daily food, diligent pursuit, and rule of conduct, we discover (v 22).

“When you walk about (daily routine), they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake up, they will talk to you.” That is incredible.   What a promise.   Do we embrace it?  Do we realize what is promised?  Do we realize the benefit and provision?  Is it evidenced in our daily lives?

The promise is a divine inner guidance system (Heavenly GPS).  Think about that!  If we seek God and obey His directives, He promises to guide us through life!  An inner witness to know what to do and what not to do.  How many lament, “Lord, I don’t know what to do.”   If God is first and His directions are obeyed, we do know; we just need to stop and listen.

Imagine having Heaven’s Armies watching over and guarding you as you sleep.  What peace that would provide.  No more sleepless nights.  No more tossing and turning.   Total Peace! (Isaiah 26:3).   If that is absent, ask, WHY?   Examine your heart and life.  What are you focused on?

Then, when you wake up from that night of total rest, God’s instructions, precepts, and principles speak to you! God talks to you!   Proverbs 7:1-2: “My child, devote yourself to my words (God’s) and store up my commands (God’s) inside yourself (heart). Keep my commands (God’s) SO THAT you may live (not simply not die or survive, but live) and obey my instructions (God’s) as your most prized possession.”

That is the key. How valuable is God’s Word? Matthew 6:33 is relevant.   Romans 8:37 gives rise to the question, “Do we truly comprehend the totality of our victory in Jesus?”   Read it: “No, in all these things we have Complete victory through Him who loved us.”

If we are in Him, we are dead to the flesh but alive to God.  How dead are we?   How alive are we?  Take stock, then pursue that which produces life!