Day 27: Proverbs Road Trip

Proverbs 27:23, “Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds”

Introspection is not something that is encouraged these days. We start the day with the clock radio telling us the latest news or latest tune, or we head to the table for a cup of coffee and the morning paper. (Or in my case, check the latest e-mails) We sort of blow through our days allowing whatever happens next to guide our daily journey. Absolutely no introspection.

I’m trying to rediscover that past Christ Followers called “The Spiritual Disciplines”. We don’t like the word “discipline” so we say “habits”. But honestly, they all take a certain amount of discipline just line a good exercise or diet routine – both will make you feel better, both take discipline. So it is with the “Spiritual Disciplines”; they take effort, but they make us feel much better.

Introspection is one of those spiritual disciplines. Proverbs calls it knowing “the state of your flocks”. How is it really going in your life? God gives me a certain amount of physical, emotional, spiritual resources – my responsibility is to know what state they are in – to honestly evaluate where I’m at with God, with my family, with my health, with my friends...you get the point.

Introspection should lead me to both confession to God and reliance upon Him. I need Jesus Christ to walk me through my yesterday and guide me through my today. I need to know the state of my flocks.

Goal for today: Put my whole heart into caring for the people and things God has placed in my life.