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By Oke Chinye
Read: Proverbs 4:5-9
Meditation verse:
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7)
By the time you get to your middle years, you will have gone through several experiences and learnt some valuable lessons. Psalm 90:12 says, “so, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”. In my journey so far, I have learnt some lessons and I am sharing a few, referring to the word of God. Life has taught me:
- To be self-assured and true to myself always. I find I am more at peace and achieve more when I walk in this consciousness of authenticity. You need to believe in who you are and act confidently. Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
- To be competitive in my pursuits but avoid comparing myself with others or judging myself by their standards. 2 Corinthians 10:12 says “comparing themselves with themselves, they are not wise”. Don’t compare yourself with anyone. Appearances are deceptive. The person you are comparing yourself with has plenty issues that you are unaware of.
- That being overly sensitive to what people say or think about me puts me in a vulnerable position. Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 says “do not pay attention to every word people say or you may hear your servant causing you. You yourself know how in your heart how many times you have cursed others”.
- That focusing on what I can’t change about my life is a losing strategy for my peace of mind. Psalm 139:14 says ‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made”. So, change what you can about yourself, but accept what you can’t change.
- That if I commit my plans to God and do my best in any endeavour, I am more likely to succeed in my endeavours. Proverbs 16:3 says “commit your thoughts to the Lord and your plans will succeed”.
- Life has taught me that I can start from where I am and make use of what I have, no matter how insignificant it may seem. And if I stay focused, I will achieve growth. Zechariah 4:10 says “who has despised the day of small beginnings”.
- Life has taught me not take myself too seriously all the time. You must learn to ease up and laugh at yourself sometimes. Proverbs 17:22 says “a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”. Keeping up a good attitude in times of adversity is therapeutic.
- Not to bottle up issues. I politely let others know if I find their actions offensive. We teach people how to treat us. Mathew 18:15 says “if your brother or sister offends you, politely point out their actions”.
- Not to sweat the small stuff. I am better off if I am willing to let go of little things and forgive easily. Colossians 3:13 says “bear with each other and forgive one another”.
- Lastly, that each day is a gift from God. I need to be grateful to Him and expect the best. Psalm 118:24 says “this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it”.
Ease up and enjoy your life’s journey.