A Place for Faith

God wants us to find that place of faith as a Father wants His children to make their way. His word shines a vision of light, which we can use as a beacon leading us to that place of rest in His peace. The prophet of Proverbs 30 illustrates a proper attitude to keep that pathway clear and the beacon strong.

Proverbs 30

5Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
7Two things I request of You
(Deprive me not before I die):
8Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches--
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
9Lest 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.

We human beings are such fragile creatures sometimes. Capable of amazing feats of strength or endurance sometimes, at other times we are overwhelmed and buffeted by the merest wind of vicissitude.

With God we can find stability of purpose, and meaning. We find protection, but also guidance: a lamp for our feet, and a light for our path. (Psalms 119:105)

But we are easily distracted. Flush with riches and comfort, we can feel little need for God’s protection, and discomfort with His correction. We can justify and rationalize an inattention, to God and to our neighbors, who He commands us to love as we love ourselves.

Likewise, the struggle for day-to-day survival might keep us so desperate to make our way that we forget His way is still available, more narrow, but certain to lead to victory. It’s hard to keep that attitude when hunger or the creditors come knocking on the door. Neither of those unwanted visitors respond well to scripture readings or bible tracts.

Surely God’s word and encouragement is meant for us, not the object of our difficulty, but it’s easy to take your eyes of the Book when trouble demands your attention.

Our goal should be to preserve that place of sufficiency, where God can speak to us and through us, and thereby strengthen and equip us to then help our brothers and sisters find that place of faith as well.