Christmas Dilemma

Welcome to today's Our Daily Bread devotional. I'm Sheridan Voisey and I've called our reading Christmas Dilemma. David and Angie had felt called to move overseas and the fruitful ministry that followed seemed to confirm it. But there was one downside to their move. David's elderly parents would now spend Christmases alone. David and Angie tried to mitigate his parents' Christmas Day loneliness by posting gifts early and calling on Christmas morning. But what his parents really wanted was them.

With David's income only permitting an occasional trip home, what else could they do? David needed wisdom. Proverbs 3 is a crash course in wisdom seeking, showing us how to receive it by taking our situations to God, describing its various qualities such as love and faithfulness and its benefits as peace and longevity. In a touching note, it adds that God gives us such wisdom by taking us into His confidence.

He whispers His solutions to those who are close to Him. Praying about his problem one night, David had an idea. Next Christmas Day, he and Angie put on their best clothes, decorated the table with tinsel and brought in the roast dinner. David's parents did the same. Then, placing a laptop on each table, they ate together via video link. It almost felt like they were in the same room.

It's become a family tradition ever since. God took David into his confidence and gave him his wisdom. He loves to whisper creative solutions to our problems. Today's scripture reading is from Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5 to 18. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your path straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.

Then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine. My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves as a Father the Son He delights in. Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies.

Nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand, in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Those who hold her fast will be blessed. Let's pray together. Father God, what a delight it is to know that you want to take us into your confidence. And Lord, we know we need it. Would you whisper into our heart your creative solutions to the biggest problems we're facing today. We thank you in advance for the wisdom that you are going to give, because we know that you are our heavenly, loving and trustworthy Father. Oh Lord, we pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Thanks for listening. I'm Sheridan Voisey and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.