Proverbs 4:4 “he taught me and said to me, let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live”
At the age of 22, I had a sort of minor epiphany moment. I was working in jobs that I did not feel natural in, and although I enjoyed the people I worked beside I wanted to find something more meaningful to do. I had tried being a carpet fitter, a chef, working on the railways, working in offices, joining the military, stacked supermarket shelves overnight, and many other roles.
I lacked learning. I had left school at 15 with no qualifications. Really I had stopped attending school around the age of thirteen when I was placed into care homes. I had been suspended twice, and expelled once and taken back once. Nothing really reached me and I had stopped caring about school.
At the age of 22, I heard through a friend about a school on the other side of the city from where I lived that was accepting adult students. Adult students could sit in the class with the year 12 students. I applied and went for the interview.
Looking back I can’t believe I was accepted really – you would have had to have seen me to really understand that statement. Long tangled hair, overgrown beard, op-shop clothes and irregular showers. I was finding myself…….(but was not looking in the right places).
I started to study, and it was a game-changer. History, English and Maths – 3 subjects at HSC level from a standing start and I had one school year to study, prepare and sit the exams. I had two or three years of learning to fit into two or three semesters.
I went at it! Travelling across the city to the school each day, finding places to study between classes and then travelling back across the city in the evening.
I would stay up till one or two in the morning studying the Russian Revolution, or farming methods in medieval Europe, along with getting lost in Shakespeare and loving it. Maths was simply awkward and hard work, while I loved logic in words, I loathed logic in numbers. But I stuck with it and sourced as much help as I could.
I started to read different books, consider universal themes, ask better questions and learn to express my thoughts.
The teachers took a great interest in me, invited me to go to the theatre, introduced new authors, stretched my thinking. The exams were no longer the real focus for me, I had awakened my learner, intellect, and need for the input all in one unexpected moment. Life was different.
KNOWLEDGE
The setting for these instructions leans back into the previous verse where the safety and support of a generous, loving, committed family setting are re-stated and established. From that position of assurance, we see the natural and expected relational development. The tensions of life will be understood, the need for accuracy and pinpoint delivery will be fully comprehended, and the aspect of moral wisdom will be at the forefront of the dialogue in the family setting. This teaching and instruction reach the centre of our being, it’s not head knowledge, although the renewing of the mind will be essential (Rom 12:1-2). This is heart surgery being practised as space is made in the centre of our being for new revelation, new understanding and a new presence of purpose. We are to understand the gravity of this, life and death spiritually hang in the balance for our response. As we listen carefully to the whisper from the inner sanctuary and commit to the relationship wholeheartedly we discover that we are not losing anything, but rather are gaining life. What an Old Testament picture of Jesus this is – as we give Him space in our heart and hand over the reins of our life, we don’t lose anything – and we gain everything.
UNDERSTANDING
Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live?
The words “hold fast” are from the Hebrew word pronounced “tamak”. In the ESV this word is used 21 times and is translated as, took; held up; seize; upheld; follow; gets; help; and, obtain.
In Chapter four verse four there is an emphasis on securely seizing.
WISDOM: who lives at the centre of your life this morning?
STRENGTHS THOUGHT: Connectedness sees the big picture all the time, has a fresh vision daily. Guard against complacency and familiarity.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version – [he provided moral relevance to me, he called to my heart, that the centre of all my emotions, will and intellect would securely grasp the inner sanctuary of God’s words. That I would guard and watch over every instruction and be revived in every area of my life.]
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today. Help me to hear your call and respond wholeheartedly as an ongoing every moment of the day relationship. Thank you.
I so love feedback – please do scroll down and use a few moments to bless me?
Yes making space for Jesus in my heart and handing over my life to Him is a total no brainer. The peace that comes with this knowledge and acceptance of who He is in my life is a pretty good feeling. I appreciate today’s message Pastor Allan.
Thank you pastor Allan.
Love your drive and determination. I especially love that your focused switched – I had awakened my learner, intellect, and need for input all in one unexpected moment. Life was different.
Well done on working so hard.
Love your strength thought!
Hold fast. So easy to say but it takes a lifetime of practice. Will we still hold fast when put to the ultimate test of martyrdom?
Thank you again Pastor Allan!!
So wonderful that in an instant of time you were given an opportunity for education & you seized it & made the very best if it!! God had a plan for your life & He was slowly drawing you & connecting you with people who started to believe in you. With the love of reading as a young boy it was opening new doors of learning & a hunger to better yourself.
So too reading & educating myself in God’s Word brings wisdom revelation knowledge & understanding where it becomes the core from where I live if I apply it & obey God’s every command. God has graciously given me His love letter with a roadmap for my life so it’s up to me to search & dig into His Word & fill my heart with His words of life to enable me to respond wholeheartedly to His love & kindness in praise worship & a heart of gratitude & thankfulness.
Amen! Thank you Ps Allan .
When we commit to the relationship whole heartedly and allow JESUS reign in our lives, we discover that we are not losing anything rather we gaining everything. JESUS is all in all, He is the centre of my life.
It’s interesting that the verse says “let your heart retain my words..” NKJV God didn’t want us to have head knowledge Of him, but heart knowledge , a deeper place to operate out of in life. A sacred place, an intimate place. A place where our emotions attach to his word. A place where we “ trust “ his word, believe his word , keep his commands and live . God is so intentional with this message to us.
Beautiful journey of learning you went on Allan . Bless your dear life God’s so evidently had his hand on you . Praise Him Today for this word Amen.
A beautiful story where your passion for learning was awakened by teachers who genuinely cared about you. It teaches us to completely put our trust in His wisdom, learn His Word and hold on to it. Jesus is our ultimate Teacher.
It’s soooo good to see you using the talent God have you and ask I read this chapter, I can see that man (I c now) dedicated to what his purpose is and loves a challenge and passionate about everything that you have your mind set on )as we c on the squash court)your focus and determination are second to none pastor Alan 👏🏽😂👍🏾
Thank you Ps Allan for sharing.
I got so encouraged when you went back to school.
I really love your strength thought- Connectedness sees the big picture all the time, has fresh vision daily. Guard against complacency and familiarity.
We are taught to learn God’s wisdom and understand it thoroughly that we may acquire knowledge. Never stop learning and keep that desire to know Him more, trust Him and follow Him without straying from the path. I pray that I may learn to lean on Him more and more and not on my own understanding. And act accordingly.
I chose Jesus to be the center of my life today.
Spiritually, emotionally and mentally I m a ke a choice daily as to make Him the center of my life,
Giving your life to Him and trusting him to do his will is the best decition we can make.
I’m thankful for each day that he guides me and leads me jn his ways and plans for my future.
How good is God who sees our potential and makes a way. Thank you for sharing your story.