Forty Days of Proclamation: Embrace
Friday, November 13, 2020
Forty Days of Proclamation: Embrace
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your Heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”
Little did I know in the early days of 2020 that my chosen word “Embrace” would prove to be so meaningful. I simply chose it as I planned for retirement after having worked in healthcare for 33 years, my entire adult life to date. Working in healthcare provided a living mission for me that I passionately believed in and committed my heart and soul to. It was my first real job and I never left it as it continually provided opportunities for service to those who provided care to patients all over the world. The thought of leaving this role that had so richly blessed my life was daunting and therefore, the word “embrace” was laid on my heart. Embrace the future and believe in what the Lord has planned for you…
There are countless blessings in the wisdom and understanding of these words in Proverbs 3:5-6 and in my case, I had to forego MY understanding and thoughts of truth and trust the Lord that HIS plan and truth would reveal more goodness than I could ever imagine. It was time and I simply had to believe or embrace it.
The word embrace has multiple meanings, some interpret it as a more physical term such as embracing or hugging someone or something; and others view it as an emotional term requiring one to open his/her mind to an idea or concept. In 2020 with the onset of COVID, we have all had to refrain from “physical” embrace and focus more on “mental” or emotional embrace. Today, more than ever, we are challenged to embrace one another and expand our understanding of compassion. In Ephesians 4:2 we are led to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” The wisdom and understanding reflected in God’s word continues to ring true today. Let’s “embrace” His calling!
For Further Reading: Proverbs 4:8; Proverbs 3:18
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the blessing of your Word and the wisdom that infiltrates our minds and souls, giving us divine understanding. With all of the opportunities to pursue peace and happiness laid before us today, may we dwell on your Word, embracing it from every facet, expanding our minds and hearts in ways beyond today’s comprehension and bringing us pure joy in doing so. May we see the beauty you have created in the Tree of Life and may we lay hold of HER. In Your name, we pray, Amen.
