January 9, 2018
What’s in Your Pocket?
Arlene Pellicane
Today’s Truth
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” (Proverbs 24:3-4, NIV).
Friend to Friend
One afternoon, I was going through the laundry, checking all the pockets before loading the washing machine. I found something I had never found before in one my kid’s pant pockets: silly putty. I was very relieved I didn’t find out what that sticky, bouncy, elastic substance would do to the other clothes in the wash!
Another item pulled out of my pocket made me smile. It was a receipt for puppy toys. We had just got our first pet, a cute brown dog who was getting bigger by the second. I pulled play money from my daughter’s pocket from church. These colorful bucks were earned by bringing a Bible or offering.
In each pocket, I found evidence of where we had been, what we had done, and what we valued enough to keep (or what we forgot to throw away!). In the hidden, quiet place of the laundry room, I sorted the items. Silly putty would go back to my child. Play money and doggie toy receipt went to the trash.
You know, sometimes we need to check the “pockets” of our lives in a quiet place. What would the evidence found in our purses and homes say about our faith?
Is there anything we’re holding on to that should be thrown away? Perhaps it’s a grudge or insecurity.
Are there places we are going or activities we’re involved with that aren’t healthy for us?
What do our receipts say about our financial stewardship?
Perhaps we could use a few moments today to de-clutter our pockets, asking God for wisdom for life. The true way to a beautiful home isn’t found in an interior decorating magazine or purchasing lovely furniture on credit. Today’s verses from Proverbs 24 tell us that rare and beautiful treasures are results of living with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
King Solomon asked God for wisdom; for a discerning heart to distinguish between right and wrong (1 Kings 3:9). Likewise, we can ask God for carefulness and shrewdness to manage the daily matters of our lives.
Pay attention to the details of your life because they are shaping your life’s story. Maybe your phone is taking too much prominence, your treasured possession in your pocket or purse. We don’t want to build our lives on technology, but on Christ alone.
Take time to empty out your pockets, making sure there isn’t anything hidden in your life which needs to be surrendered to God. Throw away what ensnares you and extra clutter that weighs you down. Build your home on wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. And always remove the silly putty before you do the laundry!
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I need Your wisdom each day to discern between right and wrong. Help me to spend my time doing things that are good and worthwhile. May my life be a testimony which brings honor to You. Forgive me for having a cluttered and divided heart. Fill my home with rare and beautiful treasures for Your glory.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read Proverbs 24:5 (NIV), “The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.”
What is one area in your life where you need more power and strength, God’s wisdom and knowledge? Talk about this with a spiritual mentor or godly friend in your life.
More from the Girlfriends
If the phone in your pocket is acting as a constant distraction in your life, Arlene’s book Calm, Cool, and Connected: 5 Digital Habits for a More Balanced Life will help.
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Originally published Friday, 09 February 2018.
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